Abstract TP169: Knowledge of Hypertension as a Stroke Risk Factor and Use of Home Blood Pressure Monitoring. A Preliminary Report From Comprehensive Post-Acute Stroke Services (COMPASS) Study

Abstract

Background: Self-monitoring blood pressure (BP) among persons with hypertension is associated with lower BP. The prevalence of BP self-monitoring and factors that may predict this behavior in the early post-acute stroke setting are unknown. Our aim was to identify whether knowledge of high BP as a stroke risk factor, social support, or primary care visits would be independently associated with BP self-monitoring 30 days after discharge in stroke patients. Methods: We utilized data from consenting intervention participants in the Comprehensive Post-Acute Stroke Services (COMPASS) Study, who attended the post-discharge clinic visit, and had a 30-day follow-up call (N=528). The primary outcome was self-reported BP monitoring assessed at the 30-day call. The clinic visit included assessment of risk factor knowledge, social support and other clinical and neurological factors. Odds ratios were obtained using logistic mixed models that adjusted for confounders classified as demographic characteristics and clinical factors. Results: Among 528 patients (mean age 67 (SD=14), 50.9% female, 80.1% white), 435 (82%) reported self-monitored BP at 30 days. Fifty-seven percent of those who noted high BP as a stroke risk factor monitored BP vs 43% of those who did not acknowledge this risk factor. Knowledge of BP as risk factor was significantly associated with monitoring after adjustment for demographic, but not after adjustment for clinical factors (Table). Those with social support and recent PCP visits also had higher odds of self-monitoring than those without support or PCP visits, respectively, though estimates were highly imprecise. Conclusions: Among participants, acknowledging high BP is a stroke risk factor may lead to greater use of self-home BP monitoring at 30 days, although the magnitude of this effect is diminished when adjusted for having a history of hypertension. The COMPASS Study will determine whether BP self-monitoring leads to improved BP control at 90 days.