Graduation Semester and Year

Spring 2024

Language

English

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Nursing Practice

Department

Nursing

First Advisor

Dr. Deborah Behan

Abstract

Background: Hypertension affects nearly half of the population in the U.S., with the prevalence disproportionately higher in African Americans (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2023). Complications of uncontrolled hypertension, such as cardiovascular disorders and stroke, increase with age, prompting the importance of controlling high blood pressure in older adults. African American older adults are at higher risk of developing uncontrolled hypertension and related complications due to the lack of healthcare access, financial constraints leading to the inability to access healthier food choices, exercise capabilities, weight control, adherence to recommended medications, and knowledge deficit.

Methods: This project focused on blood pressure control in African American older adults using a hypertension self-care management bundle. This hypertension bundle consists of a shared decision-making process, a low-sodium and DASH diet, increased physical activity, weight control, and medication adherence to control hypertension in older AA adults.

Results: The post-intervention blood pressure, both systolic and diastolic, sodium intake, weight, and physical activity were noted to be improved. The pre-intervention and post-intervention questionnaires also showed an increase in the participants’ knowledge of hypertension. This quality improvement project can be utilized as a guide to achieving blood pressure control in AA older adults with uncontrolled hypertension.

Conclusion: This quality improvement project can be utilized as a guide to achieving blood pressure control in AA older adults with uncontrolled hypertension.

Keywords

African Americans, Shared Decision-Making, Uncontrolled Hypertension, High Blood Pressure, Diet, Weight Management, Exercise

Disciplines

Cardiology | Family Medicine | Family Practice Nursing | Geriatric Nursing | Geriatrics | Internal Medicine | Preventive Medicine | Public Health and Community Nursing

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