Assessment of blood pressure knowledge among workers in a midwestern manufacturing plant. A pilot study.

This pilot study assessed knowledge of blood pressure among employees in a midwestern manufacturing plant. The Seventh Report of the Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure (JNC 7) guidelines were used to define blood pressure categories. The Roy Adaptation Model served as the framework. Results indicated two statistically significant relationships-one between knowledge of blood pressure and employees taking blood pressure medication, and one between employees' knowledge of blood pressure readings and increased interest in learning about lifestyle modifications impacting blood pressure. Of those correctly identifying the blood pressure ranges for prehypertension, 94.4% indicated interest in learning about lifestyle modifications to improve blood pressure. Occupational health nurses in industrial settings have a unique opportunity to influence employees' blood pressure knowledge, which can propel employees to consider lifestyle modifications or wellness programs that may favorably impact indirect and direct costs.