This mixe-method study examined the impact of recommendations made by blood pressure screening clinic personnel to participant adherence in seeking medical provider care and adherence to healthy lifestyle recommendations. The subjects were 31 blood pressure screening clinic participants, 4 individual interviews, 60 medical providers and 1199 community residents. Community and clinic participants completed a Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System survey and medical providers a prehypertension treatment survey. Medical providers ranked prehypertension treatment according to the greatest impact on blood pressure reduction, yet participants with prehypertension were not counseled on lifestyle changes more than the general public. However, participants reported a diastolic BP significantly lower than those who did not report a follow-up BP. Lifestyle changes at 3 months post BP screening clinic included less consumption of foods with sugar. Parental fat intake was associated with partiicipant fat intake. Regression analyses showed those who are older and unemployed were more likely to participate in healthy lifestyle behaviors. Qualitative analyses reflected a lack of mindful and healthy selection of food, regular consumption of fast food, general satisfaction with their health care provider, and comorbidities of high blood pressure, high cholesterol and obesity. Implications for practice and research are offered for public health consideration.
