Factors Associated with Self-Reported Hypertension Among Black Women

Abstract

A Black woman has an 85.7% chance of developing hypertension in her lifetime, yet she is less likely to be optimally treated. The purpose of this research report is to describe the factors associated with self-reported hypertension in a sample of Black women. A descriptive study was conducted using a researcher-developed survey. Responses were obtained from 201 adult Black women from 19 to 92 years of age. Descriptive and comparative analyses were performed. The frequency of self-reported hypertension in the sample was low (n = 54, 27%). The self-report hypertension group was significantly older (p < 0.05) and obese (61%). There were significant associations between self-report hypertension and greater income (c2 = 9.24, p = 0.002, f = 0.232), self-report hypertension and higher education (c2 = 5.66, p = 0.017, phi = 0.182), and self-report hypertension and not having Medicaid (c2 = 5.05, p = 0.025, f = 0.174). APRNs should stress the importance of routine health screenings and healthy lifestyle behaviors in accordance with patient needs.

Keywords: Advanced Practice RNs; Black women; health disparity; hypertension; socioeconomic status.