Awareness of blood pressure among older adults: a cross-sectional descriptive study.

OBJECTIVES: To measure the degree that elderly persons are knowledgeable about blood pressure (BP) and hypertension in general and are aware of their own BP in particular and to determine the degree that such knowledge and awareness relates to actual BP readings.

DESIGN AND SETTING: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted at the senior activity centers.

METHODS: A convenience sample of 276 men and women between 60 and 75 years completed two BP measurements, cognitive impairment assessments, a 21-item Awareness of Blood Pressure Questionnaire, motivation for health, and personal information.

FINDINGS: Individuals indicated much less awareness about their own BP than their self-reported behaviors about their BP would suggest. Of the participants, 74% were aware of their BP, while 90% reported asking about their BP on visits to healthcare providers; 32% of those with isolated systolic hypertension were unaware of their hypertensive status. More than half of the participants had inaccurate knowledge about BP in general and about systolic BP as it related to the aging process. Knowledge of BP and hypertension was higher among people who knew their own BP levels.

CONCLUSIONS: The study revealed that one's awareness of BP does not necessarily reflect one's actual BP status. This finding deserves the attention of older adults and healthcare providers who consider patient awareness as fundamental to behavioral change and BP control.