Paper
Monday, November 5, 2007
398
Hypertension Knowledge, Beliefs, and Behaviors among Middle-Aged Korean-Americans
Miyong Kim, PhD, RN1, Hae-Ra Han, RN, PhD1, and Kim B. Kim, PhD2. (1) School of Nursing, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA, (2) Korean Resource Center, Baltimore, MD, USA
| Learning Objective #1: discuss hypertension knowledge, beliefs, and control behaviors among middle-aged Korean Americans with hypertension. |
| Learning Objective #2: discuss gender differences in several lifestyle factors that are directly associated with BPs (e.g., exercising, drinking, smoking, medication taking, obesity, and eating). |
Higher rates of uncontrolled hypertension (HBP) among Korean Americans (KA) have been consistently reported. This paper describes
detailed profiles of middle-aged (40 to 64 years) KA with HBP concerning their knowledge, beliefs, and control behaviors. A total of 445 participants in the Self-Help Intervention Program for HBP care (SHIP-HBP), a culturally tailored trial for HBP management in KA through lifestyle approaches and telehealth technology, completed baseline assessments to determine HBP control status and knowledge, beliefs, and practices related to HBP control. About 55% of the sample were receiving antihypertensive therapy, and less than one-third had controlled BP (< 140/90 mm Hg). Sex differences were observed: women were more likely than men to have controlled BP and lower diastolic BP and to have been on HBP medication. Lower rates of smoking, drinking, and overweight or obesity were also observed more frequently in women. When asked what the most important behavioral factor was for controlling BP, about a quarter reported cutting down on salt, followed by exercise and medication taking. While poor HBP control remains a common problem that contributes to significant cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, particularly among ethnic minorities, our findings highlight the need to test the effects of intervention programs, suitably modified to meet the language, cultural, and individual needs of this high-risk population.