title: Measuring blood pressure knowledge and self-care behaviors of African Americans.
abstract: The purpose of this study was to develop and conduct preliminary psychometric assessment of instruments measuring knowledge and self-care practices regarding behaviors needed for blood pressure (BP) control among African Americans. Items were empirically derived and scored on a 7-point, bipolar scale. The instruments were evaluated in a sample of 306 community-dwelling African Americans. Results revealed acceptable reliability and validity of the BP Knowledge Scale. Results for the BP Self-Care Scale were mixed. A structural equation model of these scales, recorded BP, and covariates fit well. There was an unexpected positive correlation between self-care and BP suggesting a potential bi-directional relationship. The scales demonstrated acceptable psychometric properties and, with minor revisions, may have clinical utility as measures of BP knowledge and self-care.
authors.affiliation: Adult Health, College of Nursing, Wayne State University, 5557 Cass Ave., Detroit, MI 48202, USA.
authors.forename: Rosalind M
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Peters
authors.forename: Thomas N
authors.initials: TN
authors.lastname: Templin
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001741:Black or African American; D000368:Aged; D000959:Antihypertensive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001794:Blood Pressure; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000208:ethnology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010349:Patient Compliance / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D015995:Prevalence; D011594:Psychometrics; D012648:Self Care; D012720:Severity of Illness Index
chemical_list: D000959:Antihypertensive Agents