Improving Adherence to the Non-Pharmacological Management of Hypertension: Reducing Blood Pressure in Hypertensive Patients

Abstract

Problem Statement: Hypertension remains a major health care problem in the United States despite the available therapies and established guidelines that have been utilized to manage this chronic disease (Davis, 2013). A supportive program focusing on the non- pharmacological management of hypertension will be developed. Purpose: Determine if a motivational intervention that incorporates diet and exercise education and coaching, through the use of tailored text-messages, is effective in reducing blood pressure in hypertensive patients. Methods: A quantitative research method will be utilized (Creswell, 2014). A pre-and- posttest design will be used in which the blood pressure of hypertensive adults at a primary care office and urgent care setting will be recorded throughout exposure to a four-week intervention. Participants will incorporate the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet and a walking regimen into the lifestyle management of hypertension. Education and coaching will be provided throughout the four weeks by utilizing tailored text messages and weekly phone calls. Participant blood pressure will be recorded at home bi-weekly using an automatic blood pressure monitor. Analysis: Paired sample t-tests will be used to evaluate whether participants experienced reductions in blood pressure. The Rapid Eating Assessment for Patients (REAP) Questionnaire will be utilized to evaluate diet and lifestyle factors before and after the intervention (Jarl et al., 2013). Significance: A supportive program focused on the non-pharmacological management of hypertension may be beneficial in reducing blood pressure in hypertensive patients and improving dietary habits and exercise.

Disciplines

Medicine and Health Sciences | Nursing

First Advisor

Elizabeth Magriby

Date of Award

1-1-2019

Document Type

Dissertation

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