[What nurses with a bachelor of nursing degree know about the classification of arterial blood pressure and sequellae of arterial hypertension].

INTRODUCTION

Arterial hypertension is among the most important risk factors of atherosclerosis and associated cardiovascular pathology with a prevalence rate estimated at 20-30% of the adult population. Nowadays, it is recommended to perform an individual assessment of cardiovascular risk in a patient and to determine the threshold value for arterial hypertension, even though blood pressure classification values according to the European Society of Hypertension and the European Society of Cardiology (ESH/ESC), as well as the Polish Society of Hypertension (PTNT) have remained unchanged.

AIM OF STUDY: To determine what nurses with a Bachelor of Nursing degree know about the prevalence and classification of arterial blood pressure, as well as sequellae of arterial hypertension.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

This study was done in 116 qualified nurses (112 females, 4 males; age 21-50; seniority 0-29 years). The research period was from June 2007 to January 2008. The research tool was a questionnaire devised by the authors.

RESULTS

We found that half (on the average) of those questioned have an up-to-date knowledge regarding classification of blood pressure and prevalence of arterial hypertension but just one out of three respondents (on the average) was able to describe its sequellae. Relatively less known among nurses with a Bachelor of Nursing degree were aspects of "white coat hypertension". Statistically significant differences regarding correct answers were noted depending on seniority (p = 0.002), place of work p < 0.001), or position (p < 0.001). There were no differences depending on age, place of residence, marital status, or form of postgraduate education of nurses with a Bachelor of Nursing degree.

CONCLUSION

It is necessary to improve knowledge among students of nursing (BN degree) about current classification of blood pressure, as well as prevalence of arterial hypertension and its sequellae.