Self‐Monitoring With Coping Skills and Lifestyle Education for Hypertension Control in Primary Care

Abstract

Self‐monitoring with support, lifestyle modifications, and emotion management improves blood pressure (BP). Patients with hypertension need continual support to modify behaviors, but time pressures limit lifestyle education in primary care settings. Using mixed methods, we aimed to study the feasibility and acceptability of an innovative 6‐week program that combined self‐monitoring with coping skills and lifestyle education for patients with uncontrolled hypertension. Patients with uncontrolled hypertension interested in lifestyle modifications before intensifying medications were enrolled from primary care clinics. Patients self‐monitored emotions, behaviors, and BPs and received education from medical providers and mind‐body therapists through shared medical appointments (SMAs) with an option of weekly printed materials. Over 6 months, 31 eligible participants completed the program with higher uptake (21/41) from physician referrals (74.2% women, 41.9% Black, median household income $100 000). Fourteen participants opted for weekly educational materials due to upcoming SMA sessions being fully booked or personal schedules. Pre‐ to post‐intervention paired t‐test showed improvement in systolic BP of 11.6 mmHg (95% CI, 6.6–16.6, p < 0.0001), and hypertension control rate improved by 36% (11/31) post‐intervention. Higher baseline systolic BP was associated with higher BP reduction (p < 0.001). Thematic analysis showed the perceived benefit of self‐awareness, education, and peer support, whereas time constraints were perceived as challenges. Self‐monitoring with education on coping skills and lifestyle modification is feasible and improved BP and hypertension control across diverse primary care patients interested in lifestyle modifications; however, few low‐income patients enrolled. Less burdensome and community‐based interventions may improve participation in low‐income patients.