Although self blood pressure monitoring (SBPM) can facilitate hypertension management, determinants of SBPM are understudied. Thorpe et al examined the relationship of patient and social environment characteristics to monitor possession and frequency of SBPM in 578 male hypertensive veterans. Measures included: (a) possession of a monitor; (b) SBPM frequency; (c) concurrent blood pressure control; and (d) patient demographic, clinical, and psychosocial factors. In logistic regression analyses, older age, diabetes, unemployment, and better mental health status were related to greater likelihood of monitor possession. Ordinal logistic regression showed that among patients with a monitor, having diabetes, being unemployed, and having a shorter duration of hypertension were independently related to greater frequency of SBPM. Monitor possession, but not frequency of SBPM, was related to a decreased likelihood of blood pressure control in adjusted analyses.

POSSIBLE VALUE OF STUDY TO HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS: The results from the study by Thorpe and colleagues suggest that patient characteristics may influence SBPM and may represent points of leverage for intervening to increase self-monitoring.

POSSIBLE VALUE OF STUDY TO PATIENT: Your personal characteristics could influence your self-monitoring of blood pressure. However, what is more important is that you learn and consistently perform self-management skills, including self-monitoring. Your success with self-management could increase your self-efficacy that you can maintain control over your hypertension. This is an impressive study, in part because of the large number of patients involved.

CT Thorpe et al. Patient and social environment factors associated with self blood pressure monitoring by male veterans with hypertension. Journal of Clinical Hypertension, 2008;10:692-699.