Illness risk perceptions and trust: the association with blood pressure self-measurement.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the prevalence of blood pressure selfmeasurement among those with hypertension and examine how this behavior may be associated with illness perceptions, risk perceptions, and attitudes about care.


METHODS
Cross-sectional data from a population-based study of cardiovascular disease (n = 656).


RESULTS
The prevalence of self-measurement was 26.2%. Both above- and below-average perceived risks of stroke were associated with a decreased likelihood of self-monitoring (OR = 0.36, 95% CI = 0.14-0.91; and OR = 0.16, 95% CI = 0.05-0.75 respectively). Completely trusting the medical system was associated with a decreased likelihood of self-monitoring (OR=0.47, 95% CI=0.22-0.99).


CONCLUSIONS
Selfmonitoring can be influenced by illness risk perception and patient-physician trust.
University of Texas, School of Public Health, Division of Health Promotion and Behavioral Sciences, Dallas Regional Campus, Dallas, TX 75390-9128, USA. patrice.vaeth@utsouthwestern.edu
Patrice A C
PA
Vaeth
Duwayne L
DL
Willett
D001294:Attitude to Health; D001795:Blood Pressure Determination / Q000379:methods*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017060:Patient Satisfaction / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D057566:Self Report / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D035502:Trust / Q000523:psychology*