The Role of Confidence and Knowledge in Intentions to (Not) Seek Care for Hypertension: Evidence From a National Survey.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Hypertension (high blood pressure) is a modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease. However, patients may lack confidence in their understanding of what constitutes normal/healthy blood pressure, potentially affecting intentions to seek necessary care. The American Heart Association defines normal/healthy blood pressure as <120/80 mm Hg, with a 130/80 mm Hg threshold for hypertension diagnosis.

Methods

Our US sample (N = 6,592) included 1,342 adults with hypertension alone and 795 with hypertension and relevant comorbidities (heart disease, kidney disease, and diabetes mellitus). We assessed confidence in understanding blood pressure numbers, knowledge of thresholds for normal/healthy blood pressure ("normal or healthy blood pressure is below . . .";

SUBMITTER: Bruine de Bruin W 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10164674 | biostudies-literature | 2023 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature