Hypertension management with church-based education: a pilot study.

Abstract

The aim of this pilot study was to evaluate the efficacy of an education intervention for people with hypertension who attended Black churches. The goal was achieved by preparing six registered nurses from six inner city Black churches as educational experts who successfully implemented the intervention at three churches. A sample of 32 subjects from three churches participated in an education intervention on the nature of and management strategies for hypertension. Data were collected before, immediately after, and three months following the intervention. Findings indicate there was a statistical difference in knowledge between pre and post #1 (p = < .001, n = 18) and post #2 (p = < .0001, n = 8) assessments. It was concluded that the educational intervention was effective in increasing knowledge. No significant changes were noted in blood pressure readings and sodium intake. It is questioned whether more than three months are needed to detect meaningful behavioral changes since behavior change is a complex and gradual process.