Regular use of a home blood pressure monitor by hypertensive adults--HealthStyles, 2005 and 2008

Abstract

The authors analyzed HealthStyles surveys 2005 and 2008 combined to assess the prevalence of regular home blood pressure monitor (HBPM) use among hypertensive adults. All data were self-reported. The authors calculated odds ratios (ORs) of regular HBPM use and relative percent change (RPC) in the use of HBPM between the 2 survey years. There were 3739 (32.6%) hypertensives in the 2 survey years combined. Based on the self-reported data, the proportion of hypertensives who regularly used an HBPM was 43.2%. Male sex, age, race/ethnicity, household income, and education were all associated with differences in the prevalence of regular HBPM use. Patients 65 years and older (OR, 2.38; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.49-3.81) were significantly more likely to be regular HBPM users than those 18 to 34 years. Non-Hispanic blacks were significantly less likely (OR, 0.69; 95% CI, 0.55-0.86) to be regular HBPM users than non-Hispanic whites. From 2005 to 2008, the RPC in regular HBPM use was 14.2% (from 40.1% to 45.8%); the largest RPCs were for the 3 youngest age groups, men, non-Hispanic blacks, and those with a household income of $40,000 to 59,900. Because HBPM has been demonstrated to aid in hypertension control, health care professionals should promote its use especially among hypertensives who are younger, non-Hispanic blacks, Hispanics, or with a lower income.

© 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Figures

Figure 1

Frequency of home blood pressure (BP) monitor (HBPM) use and perceived benefit of BP control among hypertensive adults—HealthStyles Surveys, 2008 (combined).

Figure 2

Adjusted odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals of regular use of a home blood pressure monitor (HBPM) among hypertensive adults—HealthStyles Surveys, 2005 and 2008 (combined). Covariates in the models were age, sex, race, household income and education level. Regular HBPM use defined as daily, weekly, or monthly. Some missing information in both 2005 and 2008.

Figure 3

Relative percent change (RPC) in the prevalence (%) of hypertensive adults who were regular users of home blood pressure monitor (HBPM), by select characteristics—Healthstyles, 2005 and 2008. RPC calculated using the formula ((T2 − T1)/T1) or ((2008 − 2005)/2005). Prevalences are weighted for age, sex, race, income, and household size to represent the US 2000 Census population. Regular HBPM use defined as daily, weekly, or monthly. Some missing information in both 2005 and 2008. *P<.05. †Sample size too small for reliable estimates.