title: Current blood pressure self-management: a qualitative study.
abstract: Blood pressure (BP) self-management is advocated to manage hypertension and reduce the risk of a future stroke. The purpose of this study was to identify BP self-management strategies used by individuals who had sustained a stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA). As part of a mixed-methods study, we conducted six focus groups and achieved saturation with 16 stroke survivors and 12 TIA survivors. Each participant completed a questionnaire regarding current BP management. We analyzed and coded qualitative transcripts from the focus groups and found four emergent themes that were supported by questionnaire results. The four self-management themes include: (1) external support for BP self-management is helpful; (2) BP self-management strategies include medication adherence, routine development, and BP monitoring; (3) BP risk factor management involves diet, exercise, and stress reduction; and (4) taking advantage of the"teachable moment" may be advantageous for behavior change to self-manage BP. This research provides key elements for the development of a successful BP self-management program.
authors.affiliation: Roudebush VAMC, HSR&D Center of Excellence on Implementation of Evidence-Based Practices, Indianapolis, IN, USA. arlene.schmid@va.gov
authors.forename: Arlene A
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: Schmid
authors.forename: Teresa M
authors.initials: TM
authors.lastname: Damush
authors.forename: Laurie
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Plue
authors.forename: Usha
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Subramanian
authors.forename: Tamilyn
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Bakas
authors.forename: Linda S
authors.initials: LS
authors.lastname: Williams
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D018660:Blood Pressure Monitoring, Ambulatory; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000517:prevention & control*; D007196:Indiana; D002546:Ischemic Attack, Transient / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D008019:Life Style; D008297:Male; D055118:Medication Adherence; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D012648:Self Care / Q000379:methods*; D012944:Social Support; D000071939:Stroke Rehabilitation