Health promotion behaviors of residents with hypertension in Iwate, Japan and North Carolina, USA

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this study was to compare the health promotion practises of rural residents in northern Japan (n = 212) to those in south-eastern North Carolina, USA (n = 105), using the Health Promotion Lifestyle II (HPLP) scale. Methods: A comparative and descriptive design examined the relationships between health-related behaviors and demographic and physiological variables, and compared cross-cultural patterns. Results: The Japanese participants scored significantly higher on the total HPLP II score, as well as on the subscales of health responsibility, nutrition, interpersonal support, and stress management. No significant differences were found in the HPLP II subscales for spiritual growth or physical activity between the groups. The subscale scores for both the participants from Japan and the participants from North Carolina were lowest for physical activity. For the participants from North Carolina, the HPLP II subscale scores were highest for spirituality and interpersonal relationships. The predictive factors of variation in the scores of the HPLP II for the participants from North Carolina included being married and not working. No significant demographic predictor was found for the HPLP II scores of the Japanese participants. Conclusions: The study's findings add to an increased understanding of the cultural variations in the health-promoting behaviors of persons with hypertension. Providing health promotion strategies for hypertension remains an urgent issue for nurses and other health-care providers in both Japan and North Carolina, USA.

Predictors of health‐promoting behaviors in patients with coronary artery disease in the Iranian population

“…However, other studies have found women with higher scores for health responsibility and interpersonal support than men, 31 with most studies on the subject showing gender as predictive of HPBs, because female gender was positively associated with these behaviors. 6,22,29 There was no association found between smoking and HPBs in this study. However, most research has indicated that non-smokers tend to engage in better health behaviors and have higher scores in health behaviors than smokers.…”

“…There was no correlation between gender and HPBs in this study. However, other studies have found women with higher scores for health responsibility and interpersonal support than men, with most studies on the subject showing gender as predictive of HPBs, because female gender was positively associated with these behaviors …”

“…In another study by the same group, it was revealed that comprehensive lifestyle modifications, including a low‐fat vegetarian diet, smoking cessation, stress management and moderate physical activity increased the likelihood of atherosclerotic stenosis regression among patients with CAD . Stress management activities in patients with hypertension have also been associated with decreased diastolic blood pressure …”

“…21 Stress management activities in patients with hypertension have also been associated with decreased diastolic blood pressure. 22 Spirituality might be an important cultural strength for controlling stressors. 23,24 Through a meta-analysis of 23 randomized, controlled trials, Linden et al found that certain psychosocial interventions, such as relaxation therapy, can boost the effects of standard cardiac rehabilitation programs by decreasing risk factors, psychological stress, and morbidity and mortality.…”

Social Support and Adherence to Treatment in Hypertensive Patients: A Meta-Analysis

“…One of these articles (Kemppainen et al [32]) reported data from two independent samples (USA and Japan samples), and therefore, we analyzed a total of 33 studies. Main characteristics of selected studies are reported in Table 1.…”