Date of Degree

5-1995

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

Program

Nursing

Advisor

Sara Kolb

Advisor

Jane Cardea

Advisor

Barbara Herlihy

Abstract

This quasi-experimental study examined the effect of an educational program on the attitudes of hypertensive African-American clients regarding their adherence to a prescribed medical regimen.

Despite increased public awareness and improved treatment in hypertension, poorly controlled hypertension continues to be a significant problem especially among blacks and other minority populations in the United States (Shea, Misra, Ehlich, Field, & Francis, 1991). On the basis of different experiences, people may form different beliefs and, therefore different attitudes about the consequences of performing or not performing a behavior (Ajzen & Fishbein, 1980). Studies have indicated that a variety of factors such as health beliefs contribute to behaviors that may ultimately decrease the patient's adherence to therapy (Hershey, Morton, Davis, & Reichgott, 1980). Therefore, the effective use of educational strategies should influence beliefs and attitudes, thereby increasing the probability that an individual will acquire behaviors critical for the management of their disease. This quasi-experimental study examined the effect of an educational program on the attitudes of hypertensive African-American clients regarding their adherence to a prescribed medical regimen. Using a one group pretest-posttest design, the Miller Attitude Scale measured favorable and unfavorable attitudes toward performing regimen prescriptions for taking medications, following a prescribed diet, engaging in activity, modifying response to stress, and quitting smoking. Data analysis of a paired t-test between pretest mean scores and posttest mean scores, indicated an overall increase in favorable attitudes toward regimen prescriptions for medication, diet, activity, and stress, but not smoking.The results of this study suggest that health education programs aimed at increasing awareness and knowledge of hypertension may influence attitudes about intentions to follow a prescribed medical regimen. Therefore, in planning education programs, health care providers must focus on individualized assessments of beliefs and attitudes that may be of particular concern for the client in order to increase their likelihood of adhering to therapy.

Download

Included in

Nursing Commons

Share

COinS