Learning Objective #1: Describe the ethnic and gender hypertension patterns in the United States

Learning Objective #2: Discuss the relationship between hypertension-related health beliefs and health behavior

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Background: Hypertension (HTN) is at epidemic levels, particularly among African Americans (AAs). Although the exact cause of HTN is unknown, genetics and lifestyle behaviors such as diet and physical activity have been found to be associated with HTN risk and development. Research has shown that AAs engage in nutrition and physical activity practices that place them at increased risk for HTN. However, it is unclear why AAs tend to engage in lifestyle behaviors that place them at increased risk for HTN. Health beliefs regarding HTN are one potential explanation.

Purpose: To develop a culturally sensitive measure of beliefs regarding HTN in AAs.

Methods: An integrated literature review from 1980-2004 regarding HTN risk and health beliefs regarding HTN was conducted using MEDLINE, CINAHL, and PSYCHINFO.

Results: No culturally sensitive measure of beliefs regarding HTN in AAs was found. A 65-item culturally specific measure, Beliefs Related to High Blood Pressure in African Americans (BRHBPAA), was constructed. The measure was derived from a concept analysis of HTN and HTN risk. The measure contains seven subscales: susceptibility, actions to reduce susceptibility, seriousness, benefits (exercise), barriers (exercise), benefits (nutrition), and barriers (nutrition). Items are scored on a 5-point Likert scale with one indicating “strongly disagree” and five indicating “strongly agree”. Scores are calculated for each subscale.

Discussion: Relevant findings from the literature review regarding HTN beliefs and AAs will be discussed. Pilot data on the psychometric properties of the instrument in a sample of 40 AAs will be presented.