Mavis Amankwah
MCPHS University, Worcester, MA 01608, USA
Title: Lifestyle Modification in African American Population with Hypertension
Biography
Biography: Mavis Amankwah
Abstract
Hypertension is a common and chronic condition and it affects the African American population more than other ethnic groups. Approximately 8,000 deaths occur annually from heart disease and stroke among African Americans as a result of uncontrolled hypertension. In general, a 10% increase in hypertension treatment would prevent about 14,000 deaths every year. An integrative literature review on lifestyle modification in the African American population living with hypertension was conducted to determine if lifestyle modification reduces long-term complications of hypertension, and to understand if there is a gap between evidence-based practice and clinical practiceEleven peer reviewed articles published within five years and written in the English language were selected, analyzed, and critiqued. Purposive sampling was used to include only African American population with hypertension. Exclusion criteria included unpublished manuscripts, meta-synthesis, abstracts, and meta-analysis. Lack of proper education, effective patient-centered communication, and culturally sensitive care were themes that emerged. Transtheoretical Model of Change (TTM) and Motivational Interviewing (MI) techniques are proven to be effective in generating positive health outcomes for patients and can be utilized by nurse practitioners in caring for the African American population with hypertension. Future research should be conducted to evaluate if nurse practitioners are using the protocol for TTM and MI technique in caring for the African American patient. Future research should also explore how well nurse practitioners are engaging in culturally sensitive care and the need for ongoing cultural sensitivity education for nurse practitioners.