AIMS AND OBJECTIVES To identify health and physiological measures, depressive symptoms and locus of control (LOC) in adherence to a low salt (1,500 mg sodium), diet in African American (AA) adults… Click to show full abstract
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES To identify health and physiological measures, depressive symptoms and locus of control (LOC) in adherence to a low salt (1,500 mg sodium), diet in African American (AA) adults with hypertension (HTN). BACKGROUND Adherence determinants to self-management behaviours among AA adults with HTN is essential in prevention of outcomes such as stroke. A low-salt diet is one key factor in the successful management of HTN. DESIGN A cross-sectional correlational design. METHODS Systolic blood pressure, co-morbidities, serum creatinine, potassium, education, depression, LOC and social support were examined in relationship to self-reported adherence to a low-salt diet in a sample of AA adults (N = 77) aged 55-84. Demographic and physiologic data were collected in addition to diet adherence on a 100 mm visual analog scale. Standardised tools included Multidimensional Health LOC scale and the Patient Health Question-9 Depression Instrument. RESULTS Lower adherence to a low-salt diet was more prevalent in females (n = 27; 73%). A moderate negative correlation (r = -0.294; p < 0.01) was found with low-salt diet adherence in the PHQ-9 (r = -0.294; p < 0.01). Both multiple regression, models significantly influenced adherence to low salt diet, with both models explaining 24% of the variance; internal LOC (F = 2.599 [8, 68]; p = 0.02) and external LOC (F = 2.667 [8, 68]; p = 0.013). CONCLUSION Increasing awareness of factors affecting adherence to a low-salt diet is important for clinicians for effective management of HTN in AA adults. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE Nurses are encouraged to adopt a comprehensive assessment of those with HTN to identify psychosocial needs, in particular depressive symptoms, as a potential secondary prevention measure.
               
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