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Fifty million Americans have hypertension, a precedent risk
factor in 91 percent of heart failure cases, and 5 million have
diagnosed heart failure (American Heart Association, 2004).
Females aged 55-74 have slightly higher rates of
hypertension than males, and those over age 74 have much
higher rates.
Many research findings link diet, especially sodium
intake, with hypertension and heart failure. Contextual
factors associated with nonadherence to a sodium restricted
diet include social, cultural, and economic factors. There
is a need to understand the personal experiences and
decision making processes that influence adherence to a
sodium restricted diet. The specific aims of this study are
to:
- Explore experiences and decision making associated
with prescribed or recommended sodium restricted diets
among congregate living females with hypertension or heart
failure.
- Identify factors that facilitate or impede adherence
to a sodium restricted diet.
- Explore contextual factors associated with adherence
to the diet.
Data collected from three focus groups of females aged 65
and over will provide important contextual information to
design a nurse practitioner directed dietary intervention
program targeted to older adults with hypertension or heart
failure.
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