Date of Award

4-2020

Degree Name

Nursing (D.N.P.)

Department

College of Nursing

First Advisor

Rebecca Davis, PhD, RN

Second Advisor

Joy Washburn, EdD, RN, WHNP-BC

Third Advisor

Sarah Faubert, LLMSW-Macro

Abstract

Unregulated hypertension is a public health concern. Hypertension is a chronic disease affecting adults across the lifespan. Although hypertension is easy to diagnose and treat, rates of blood pressure control continue to be low (AHA, 2017). Because of this, it is imperative to employ novel strategies for blood pressure control; especially in high risk populations. The purpose of this evidence-based, project was to determine whether self-monitoring of blood pressure (SMBP) improves knowledge about hypertension, while also increasing the frequency of SMBP. Another outcome of interest was a reduction in mean systolic blood pressure for the cohort. The project enrolled participants from the low-income senior apartment community. Participants received an automated blood pressure cuff; and were asked to record eight blood pressures each week for six weeks. Participants attended four educational sessions about hypertension. The participants learned how to perform SMBP and categorize blood pressure readings. The participants learned how modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors affect blood pressure control. The most notable outcome of the project was a statistically significant (p-value = 0.0019) reduction in systolic blood pressure during each week of the program.

Available for download on Sunday, April 30, 2023

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