Shaping behaviors associated with hypertension management among African-American women.

Although African American women are disproportionately affected by hypertension and are predisposed towards life threatening complications, few interventions or behavioral research studies have targeted this at-risk population group. The purpose of this research was to design and to test a six-week intervention using the technique of behavioral analysis to shape behaviors associated with hypertension management among hypertensive African American women. The study's overall aim was to increase blood pressure control among this group of hypertensive, African American women. A convenience sample of 50 African American women were recruited, with 25 participating in a behavioral intervention, a six-week patient education program that employed the principles of behavioral analysis, (Experimental Group N = 25) and 25 participating without the behavioral intervention, (Control Group N = 25). The outcomes measured were: changes in pill-taking utilizing the Medication Event Monitoring System (MEMS) and program attendance behaviors. In addition, pre- and post-program knowledge and self-efficacy related to hypertension were assessed by the use of a hypertension knowledge test and a self-efficacy assessment tool. The women's systolic and diastolic blood pressure also were monitored throughout the intervention period. The educational intervention was provided at a community church which serves African Americans.Ph.D.Behavioral psychologyHealth and Environmental SciencesMedicineNursingPsychologyUniversity of Michigan, Horace H. Rackham School of Graduate Studieshttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/129554/2/9527710.pd