Date of Conferral

2019

Degree

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

School

Nursing

Advisor

Dr. Cassandra Taylor

Abstract

Hypertension (HTN) is a serious yet common condition that can be prevented or

controlled. Complications of uncontrolled HTN can lead to cardiac failure, renal disease,

and stroke. In the United States, HTN is greater among African Americans than any other

ethnic group and is prevalent in the community in which this project was conducted. To

address the problem of HTN and its effect on members of the African American (AA)

population in the site community, a program of HTN self-management emphasizing

patient education and healthy behaviors for the AA community was developed. The

purpose of this project was to search the literature for evidence to support a plan to

improve HTN among AA participants and to develop an education program for AAs who

attended a community health center. The Dietary Approaches to Stop HTN (DASH) diet

was identified as the diet of choice for preventing and managing HTN and was

incorporated into the plan for the program using the logic model as a framework. A

project team made up of a wellness coordinator, 2 fitness staff, a nutritionist, and the

program director at the community center evaluated the program. The program included a

plan for screening, education, and follow-up evaluation. After multiple sessions of

review, the program was unanimously approved by the project team. The final program

included 6 weekly educational sessions with a nutritionist and fitness staff working with

the participants individually. The project may support positive social change as a

program of HTN self-management and control for AAs in a community setting.

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