Hypertension Improvement Through Healthy Lifestyle Modifications, Coursework Example

Provide full citation for study you are critiquing using APA, 6^th edition format.

Rigsby, B.D. (2011). Hypertension improvement through healthy lifestyle modifications. TheABNF Journal, 41-43.

Provide details about 3 to 5 major themes addressed in literature review

The literature review addresses a number of themes, including the following: 1) Hypertension is a serious condition in the United States, impacting over 70 million people (Rigsby, 2011, p. 41)); 2) Hypertension is a key contributor to the development of renal and cardiovascular disease in many adults (Rigsby, 2011, p. 41)); 3) Hypertension impacts one-third of all adults living in Alabama (Rigsby, 2011, p. 41)); and 4) African Americans are impacted by Hypertension more frequently than other population groups, which leads to poor outcomes and higher mortality rates (Rigsby, 2011, p. 41)).

Articulate Problem Statement of study

Hypertension is a serious and debilitating chronic illness that has a significant impact on many adults in the United States, with an unusually high rate of disease within the African American population (Rigsby, 2011, p. 41).

Articulate Purpose Statement of study

The purpose of the study is to establish a health promotion project, including lifestyle modifications, within a rural church in an Alabama community, where 75 percent of the adult population suffers from hypertension (Rigsby, 2011, p. 41).

Evaluate consistency between literature review, problem and purpose statements

The literature review, problem, and purpose statements are consistent with each other in the content and delivery, as the issue of hypertension and its impact on African American adults is discussed at length in these three sections, with a particular emphasis on rural Alabama (Rigsby, 2011, p. 41).

Describe target population for study

The target population for the study was the African American members of a rural church located in Southwest Alabama, where 75 percent of the adult population had hypertension (Rigsby, 2011, p. 41). This population was determined through a screening measure conducted by the Nursing Guild Ministry (Rigsby, 2011, p. 41).

Describe sample for study

The study sample was defined as African American adults over the age of 19 who were members of the rural church community in Southwest Alabama (Rigsby, 2011, p. 42). 36 participants were selected for participation, but only 24 remained until the end of the project (Rigsby, 2011, p. 42).

Describe sampling procedure for study

The sampling procedure included a health risk assessment and pre-assessment questionnaire in order to identify prospective participants, along with the distribution of logs that would track blood pressure measurements, diet, and physical activity (Rigsby, 2011, p. 42).

Evaluate the sampling procedure and sample in relation to the defined target population and study purpose

The sampling procedure included the recruitment of participants through the distribution of flyers and announcements in the community, the identification of study participants, their consent to participate in the project using a consent form, and the selection of participants who qualified based upon their health risk assessment and pre-assessment questionnaire (Rigsby, 2011, p. 42).

Describe the research design and major study variables (two maximum) used for the study

The research design included data collection from the self-reporting logs regarding blood pressure levels, diet, and physical activity, in addition to data collected at the pre-assessment phase and BMI data (Rigsby, 2011, p. 42). The primary research variables were blood pressure improvement, physical activity, fruit and vegetable consumption, and weight reduction (Rigsby, 2011, p. 42-43.

Evaluate the design in relation to the study purpose

The study design was appropriate, given the primary purpose, as the data collected in the self-reporting logs was critical in order to analyze the success of the lifestyle intervention for study participants (Rigsby, 2011, p. 42).

Describe the data collection process and outcome measures for major study variables

Data was collected using the self-reporting logs that were distributed at the beginning of the study, and once the logs were collected, data was analyzed by evaluating mean comparisons to determine study effectiveness (Rigsby, 2011, p. 42). Blood pressure improvement was met, as 30 percent of participants had improved blood pressure rates (Rigsby, 2011, p. 42). Physical activity was met, as 40 percent of participants noted increased levels of physical activity (Rigsby, 2011, p. 42). Fruit and Vegetable Consumption was met, as 40 percent increased their consumption, and Weight Reduction was met, as 20 percent reduced their body weight (Rigsby, 2011, p. 42-43.

Evaluate the fit between the data collection process, outcome measures and study purpose

The data collection process, the outcome measures, and the study purpose were consistent, as the study reflected the type of data that was necessary for collection to achieve the study purpose and intent (Rigsby, 2011, p. 42).

Evaluate the adequacy of measures described to protect study participants

Study participants were asked to complete consent forms to participate in the study, and the IRB of the University of South Alabama approved the study protocol prior to implementation (Rigsby, 2011, p. 41-42.

Describe the statistical tests that were used to evaluate the outcome measures and provide information about the pre-determined level of significance

The study does not address the specificity of the statistical tests, other than to mention that mean comparisons were examined; however, each variable was represented by a level of significance where the objective was met, such as Blood Pressure Improvement (n=23), Physical Activity (n=24), Fruit and Vegetable Consumption (n=11) and Weight Reduction (n=11) (Rigsby, 2011, p. 42-43).

Evaluate the appropriateness of the statistical procedures used in relation to the purpose of the study and the level of measurement of outcome data

The statistical mechanism is not discussed in detail; however, the data collected is appropriate for the purpose and outcomes that were identified (Rigsby, 2011, p. 42).

Discuss the significant findings for the major variables

The study findings indicate that a community-based lifestyle intervention to address hypertension is essential to promote awareness of the disease and its impact on daily living (Rigsby, 2011, p. 43).

Discuss any other important findings relevant to the major variables

Based upon the study results, the community sought to improve its health objectives through increased physical activity to support local residents, along with training opportunities for those interested in providing education regarding health and wellbeing for this population (Rigsby, 2011, p. 43).

Discuss 2 factors that limit the usefulness of the study

The study is limited by its small sample size and the data that was not completed when participants did not fill out their self-reporting logs in their entirety (Rigsby, 2011, p. 43).

Discuss 1 thing that you learned about research critiques through completion of this assignment and how you would apply that knowledge to your future work as an Advanced Practice Nurse

I learned that a research study is comprised of many parts, and that this process supports a need to identify a study purpose, design, and analysis method prior to implementing the study to achieve the best possible outcomes.

Discuss 2 things that you learned about the health issue covered in this study and how you would apply this information to your future work as an Advanced Practice Nurse

This issue is critical to advanced practice nursing because hypertension impacts millions of people and is the precursor for many different health concerns. Furthermore, the prevention of hypertension through lifestyle changes must serve as a key issue for advanced practice nursing for the foreseeable future.

References

Rigsby, B.D. (2011). Hypertension improvement through healthy lifestyle modifications. The ABNF Journal, 41-43.