Faculty Collaboration Database

The development and validation of the hypertension evaluation of lifestyle and management knowledge scale. J Clin Hypertens (Greenwich) 2012 Jul;14(7):461-6

Date

07/04/2012

Pubmed ID

22747619

Pubmed Central ID

PMC4415151

DOI

10.1111/j.1751-7176.2012.00619.x

Scopus ID

2-s2.0-84863492761 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site)   44 Citations

Abstract

Hypertension knowledge is an integral component of the chronic care model. A valid scale to assess hypertension knowledge and self-management skills is needed. The hypertension evaluation of lifestyle and management (HELM) scale was developed as part of a community-based study designed to improve self-management of hypertension. Participants included 404 veterans with hypertension. Literature review and an expert panel were used to identify required skills. Items were generated and pilot tested in the target population. Validity was assessed through comparisons of performance with education, health numeracy, print numeracy, patient activation and self-efficacy, and hypertension control. The HELM knowledge scale had 14 items across 3 domains: general hypertension knowledge, lifestyle and medication management, and measurement and treatment goals. Scores were positively associated with education (0.28, P<.0001), print health literacy (0.21, P<.001), health numeracy (0.17, P<.001), and patient activation (0.12, P=.015) but no association was found with diastolic or systolic blood pressure. The HELM knowledge scores increased following the educational intervention from baseline (mean, 8.7; standard deviation, 2.2) to 12-month follow-up (mean, 9.2, standard deviation, 2.2; P<.001). We conclude that the HELM provides a valid measure of the knowledge required for patients to take an active role in the chronic disease management of hypertension.

Author List

Schapira MM, Fletcher KE, Hayes A, Eastwood D, Patterson L, Ertl K, Whittle J

Authors

Kathlyn E. Fletcher MD Professor in the Medicine department at Medical College of Wisconsin
Leslie Ruffalo PhD Director, Associate Professor in the Family Medicine department at Medical College of Wisconsin
Jeffrey Whittle MD Professor in the Medicine department at Medical College of Wisconsin

MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold

Aged
Antihypertensive Agents
Chronic Disease
Female
Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
Health Surveys
Humans
Hypertension
Life Style
Male
Pilot Projects
Psychometrics
Reproducibility of Results
Statistics as Topic
Surveys and Questionnaires
United States