An assessment of level of knowledge about individual blood pressure values and the disease of hypertension among residents of eastern North Carolina / by Sue G. Edwards.
| Author/creator | Edwards, Sue G. author. |
| Other author | Rose, Mary Ann degree supervisor. |
| Other author | East Carolina University. Department of Nursing. |
| Format | Theses and dissertations |
| Production | 1985. |
| Description | 42 leaves : forms ; 28 cm. |
| Supplemental Content | Access via ScholarShip |
| Subjects |
| Series | ECU Department of Nursing thesis ECU Department of Nursing thesis. UNAUTHORIZED |
| Summary | This study examined the level of knowledge about hypertension and individual blood pressure among residents of rural eastern North Carolina. Its purpose was to evaluate the knowledge of high blood pressure in a selected group of rural residents, to explore whether these adults could correctly state the value of their own blood pressure, and to examine whether a relationship existed between previous treatment of hypertension and level of knowledge about the disease. Two hundred-eleven volunteers, solicited from the patrons of a local supermarket chain store and an independent grocery, completed a two-part instrument which gathered demographic data as well as a profile of each participant's knowledge about their own blood pressure. A six-item true-false quiz was administered to test knowledge about the symptoms, sequelae, and treatment of hypertension. A single blood pressure measurement was then conducted for each participant by the investigator for comparison to their predicted blood pressure values. A majority of respondents incorrectly answered questions which addressed the causes and symptoms of hypertension. The highest area of knowledge tested was recognition of high blood pressure as the leading cause of stroke, heart disease, and kidney disease. Fifty-five percent of participants correctly categorized their perception of their individual blood pressures as either normal or too high. Only 12% could correctly state the value of their own blood pressure. No significant difference was found in comparison of total knowledge scores of previously treated hypertensives with those of previously untreated persons. When knowledge questions were analyzed individually, the previously treated group were significantly less knowledgeable than their counterparts about the absence of physical indicators of high blood pressure. (p=.001, df 1) |
| General note | "Presented to the faculty of the Department of Nursing ... in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree Master of Science." |
| General note | Advisor: Mary Ann Rose |
| Dissertation note | M.S. East Carolina University 1985 |
| Bibliography note | Includes bibliographical references (leaves 40-42). |
| Genre/form | Academic theses. |
| Genre/form | Academic theses. |
| Genre/form | Thèses et écrits académiques. |
Availability
| Library | Location | Call Number | Status | Item Actions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Joyner | University Archives | ASK AT SPECIAL COLLECTIONS DESK | ✔ Available | Request Material |
| Joyner | NC Microforms | MICROFILM | ✔ Available | |
| Electronic Resources | Access Content Online | ✔ Available |