Strategies for implementing and sustaining therapeutic lifestyle changes as part of hypertension management in African Americans Article

Scisney-Matlock, M, Bosworth, HB, Giger, JN et al. (2009). Strategies for implementing and sustaining therapeutic lifestyle changes as part of hypertension management in African Americans . 121(3), 147-159. 10.3810/pgm.2009.05.2015

cited authors

  • Scisney-Matlock, M; Bosworth, HB; Giger, JN; Strickland, OL; Van Harrison, R; Coverson, D; Shah, NR; Dennison, CR; Dunbar-Jacob, JM; Jones, L; Ogedegbe, G; Batts-Turner, ML; Jamerson, KA

authors

abstract

  • African Americans with high blood pressure (BP) can benefit greatly from therapeutic lifestyle changes (TLC) such as diet modification, physical activity, and weight management. However, they and their health care providers face many barriers in modifying health behaviors. A multidisciplinary panel synthesized the scientific data on TLC in African Americans for efficacy in improving BP control, barriers to behavioral change, and strategies to overcome those barriers. Therapeutic lifestyle change interventions should emphasize patient self-management, supported by providers, family, and the community. Interventions should be tailored to an individual's cultural heritage, beliefs, and behavioral norms. Simultaneously targeting multiple factors that impede BP control will maximize the likelihood of success. The panel cited limited progress with integrating the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) eating plan into the African American diet as an example of the need for more strategically developed interventions. Culturally sensitive instruments to assess impact will help guide improved provision of TLC in special populations. The challenge of improving BP control in African Americans and delivery of hypertension care requires changes at the health system and public policy levels. At the patient level, culturally sensitive interventions that apply the strategies described and optimize community involvement will advance TLC in African Americans with high BP. © Postgraduate Medicine.

publication date

  • May 1, 2009

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

start page

  • 147

end page

  • 159

volume

  • 121

issue

  • 3