Knowledge, beliefs, and behaviors about hypertension control among middle-aged Korean Americans with hypertension

Abstract

This report describes the management and control of high blood pressure (HBP) in a sample of middle-aged (40 to 64 years) Korean Americans (KAs) with HBP. Participants in the Self-Help Intervention Program for HBP care (SHIP-HBP), a culturally tailored clinical trial for HBP management in KAs through lifestyle approaches, underwent baseline assessments to determine HBP control status and knowledge, beliefs, and practices related to HPB control. Data were stratified by sex. In all, 445 Korean patients are described. About 55% of the sample were receiving antihypertensive therapy, and less than one-third had controlled BP (< 140/90 mm Hg). Sex differences were observed in terms of clinical characteristics and anti-hypertensive medication use: women were more likely than men to have controlled BP and lower diastolic BP and to have been on HBP medication. Lower rates of smoking, drinking, and overweight or obesity were also observed more frequently in women. Most participants agreed that taking anti-hypertensive medication lowered BP. When asked what the most important behavioral factor was for controlling BP, about a quarter reported cutting down on salt, followed by exercise and medication taking. While poor HBP control remains a common problem that contributes to significant cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, particularly among ethnic minorities, our findings underscore the need to test the beneficial effects of primary and secondary prevention programs, suitably modified to meet the language, cultural, and individual needs of this high-risk population of hypertensive patients.