| Women have become the fastest growing population of hypertensive persons in the United States. Single motherhood has taken a similar path. This study was developed to examine the inter-relationship between single motherhood, stress, social support, health promotion behaviors and being hypertensive. A quantitative cross-sectional study design was conducted among resident women from metropolitan Atlanta, Georgia aged 15-59 years old of different marital status and races. It incorporated door-to-door recruitment to administer face-to-face surveys on 391 participants. Data were collected using a specially designed questionnaire and Perceived Stress Scale and Scale of Social Provision. Descriptive techniques with significance tests, multiple regressions and correlation were implemented for data analysis. Results revealed that single mothers were twice as likely to be hypertensive, when compared to married mothers, married non-mothers, and single non-mothers. Single mothers, who reported being stressed, had an increased risk of being hypertensive, compared to other stressed participants. The results did not demonstrate a relationship between having low social networks or practicing hypertension-promoting behaviors and being hypertensive. Within this study, race/ethnic groups did not affect the frequency of hypertension and practicing hypertension-promoting behaviors. The study recommends establishing more programs to combat hypertension. Single mothers should be a focus in data dissemination, but not limited to them. Obtaining parenthood planning courses before conception may limit the occurrence of hypertension. This project will aid in the establishment of policies aimed at ensuring healthier lifestyles for single mothers. |
