Abstract 11: Impact Of Health Questionnaires As A Motivation Tool In African American Hypertensive Patients

Hypertension is highly prevalent in African American patients with a greater incidence of cardiovascular and renal complications of hypertension as compared to other ethnic groups. However, data is sparse on positive behavioral modifiers that can help lower hypertension.

Purpose: To evaluate the effects of a hypertension survey on patients’ self-management and self-awareness.

Method: In an urban outpatient clinic, a prospective randomized study was conducted in African American patients with controlled hypertension. Patients were randomly assigned to survey and control (no survey) groups and were followed up 3-6 months later. The survey included demographic information, weight, number of hypertension medications, self blood pressure (BP) monitoring, hypertension complication awareness, exercise frequency, and salt intake.

Results: There were 117 respondents in the survey and control group. In the survey group, 54% (63 of 117) were males with an average age of 57 years. Average BP was 125/79 mm hg vs 127/80 mm hg post survey. On follow up average BMI decreased (35.1 vs 32.9, p = 0.038), self BP monitoring increased (25.6% vs 81.1% [30 vs 95 of 117, p < 0.005]), low salt diet intake increased (32% vs 60% [38 vs 71 of 117, p = 0.016]), exercise frequency 3-5 days/week increased (29% to 49% [34 vs 58 of 117, p = 0.028]), awareness of hypertensive complication improved (15% vs 74% [18 vs 87 of 117, p < 0.005]), and BP control without medication increased (4.3% vs 10.2% [5 vs 12 of 117, p = 0.046]). In the control group, 58% (67 of 117) were males with an average age of 56 years. Average BP was 126/80 vs 125/72 post survey. On follow up average BMI decreased (34.3 vs 33.8, p = 0.809), self BP monitoring increased from (28.2% vs 35% [33 vs 41of 117, p = 0.582]), Low salt diet intake increased (30% vs 36% [36 vs 43 of 117, p = 0.773 ]), exercise frequency 3-5 days/week decreased (31% to 24% [36 vs 29 of 117]), awareness of hypertensive complication improved (16% vs 23% [19 vs 28 of 11, p = 0.682]), and BP control without medication decreased (5.1% vs 1.7% [6 vs 2 of 117]).

Conclusion: Our study suggests the action of completing a survey served as a positive behavioral and self-awareness modifier. The survey group showed a higher incidence of positive change compared to the control group.