Measures: Two investigator-developed instruments were used: BP Knowledge and BP Self Care. Both measures were evaluated using both scale and confirmatory factor analysis. High internal consistency was found (alpha=.91 for BP Knowledge Scale and .78 for the BP Self-care scale). Validity was established by correlation between the two scales r=.31, p<.001.  BP was measured using an Omron professional automated machine.

Sample:  306 participants were conveniently recruited from multiple sites in an urban area. Participants were well distributed by gender (47% men; 53% women); age (range 21-65, M=44.42 ± 12.41); education (range 4-20 years; M=12.92 ± 2.35); and 115 participants (38%) had a known history of hypertension.

Results: Knowledge of behaviors necessary to control BP averaged 5.8 (± 1.28) on a 7-point scale; BP self care behaviors averaged 4.46 (± 1.17) on 7-point scale. Persons with a known history of hypertension had significantly higher knowledge about BP control behaviors (t₍₃₀₂₎=2.58, p=.012) and higher level of engaging in BP self care (t₍₃₀₃₎=4.25, p<.000). There was an inverse relationship between BP self-care and recorded BP in persons with known history of hypertension, but a positive relationship in persons with no history. Hypertensive participants who engaged in high levels of BP self-care averaged 5.41 mmHg lower systolic and 3.86 lower diastolic BP.

Conclusions: The hypothesized relationship that increased self-care is associated with decreased BP is only found in persons with a known history of hypertension. The reverse pattern is noted in persons with no history (increased BP is associated with increased self-care) suggesting the importance of knowledge of health status as information needed by persons to engage in health promoting self-care.

This study was supported by NINR (1 R15 NR008489-01)