The Unique Power of Mindfulness on Blood Pressure and Stress Reduction in a Priest Community

Summary: Hypertension is a leading risk factor of global mortality. A local priest community identified elevated blood pressure as a concern, and mindfulness practice was taught and implemented as an evidence-based method of blood pressure reduction. Mindfulness practice resulted in a statistically significant reduction in both perceived stress and blood pressure. Content Outline: 1. Background 1. Catholic clergy is a population vulnerable to health disparities 2. Multiple studies posit this demographic may be at risk for cardiovascular disease, among other health problems. 2. Need for Change 1. A local priest community identified blood pressure screening and health promotion as a priority 2. This community would benefit from a simple and feasible intervention to screen for BP and promote BP reduction 3. Purpose and Aims 1. Aim: Understand the effect of mindfulness on blood pressure and stress reduction in participants. 2. Purpose: Offer low-cost, simple, and feasible methods of enhancing blood pressure in communities in which access to medical care may be inconsistent. • Evidence and Benefits. 1. MBSR has been shown to decrease BP in multiple populations 2. Research promotes MBSR as an affordable, simple, and effective way to reduce psychological symptoms and BP. 2. Implementation 1. Priests were recruited on a volunteer basis to participate in two mindfulness sessions followed by daily home practice. 2. Over an eight week implementation period, participants completed a Perceived Stress Score (PSS) and BP screening before and after two one-hour mindfulness seminars. Blood pressures and mindfulness practice were documented weekly. 3. The two one-hour mindfulness seminars were led by an expert mindfulness practitioner and author, and focused specifically on harnessing the breath and the body to achieve a physiologically relaxed state. 4. The mindfulness goal: daily practice for three minutes, three times a day. During the 8week implementation period, 5. An independent T-test revealed a statistically significant change in systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and PSS 6. A repeated measures ANOVA was performed. Planned contrasts with a Bonferroni correction revealed that average diastolic blood pressure during week 1 significantly differed from average diastolic blood pressure during weeks 6, 7, and 8. 7. Recruitment 8. Measures 9. Intervention 10. Results • Discussion 1. Challenges to internal validity: BP checks at different times of day, small sample size, wide age range of participants. 2. Self-reported mindfulness minutes increases the risk of variance in reports and less accurate reporting. 3. Findings promote the use of simple, brief, mindfulness practices to reduce BP and stress levels. 4. Limitations • Lessons Learned 1. Participants found the physiologic engagement of diaphragmatic and abdominal breathing, combined with posture adjustment, to be uniquely helpful in promoting relaxation. 2. Two acute cardiogenic disorders were detected during screening exams. These simple blood pressure screenings were a means of engaging participants in health promotion and provide detection of abnormal findings and referral. 3. Nurse Practitioners (NPs) work with patients with limited financial resources. An understanding of the effect of mindfulness on BP and autonomic regulation will equip the NP in providing cost-effective resources to patients. 4. This pilot study demonstrated the unique power of frequent, brief moments of mindfulness as short as three minutes, three times daily, in reducing stress and blood pressure. 5. This study provided an opportunity for the University of Portland School of Nursing (UPSON) to promote wellness and mindfulness in this priest community, informs future initiatives. 6. The wellness theme established by this community is Aging in Place. The UPSON has the ability to promote this goal through increased contact with undergraduate and graduate nursing students. 7. For sustainability, establishment of a consistent care professional through UPSON for the community is advised. Specifically, a symbiotic relationship between a faculty DNP in need of clinical hours, and home visits among this community is recommended. 8. Mindfulness v. Prayer and other Spiritual Practices: What is the Gain? 9. Screening as Opportunity to Alert of Acute Conditions. 10. Benefit to NPs. 11. Recommendations First Primary Presenting Author Primary Presenting Author Joy Moceri, BSN, RN University of Portland School of Nursing Doctoral Student Portland OR USA Professional Experience: 2010-present—Registered Nurse in Emergency Services, Providence Health and Services, Portland, OR Recipient of the Nurse Practitioners of Oregon Nanette Clapper Scholarship 2017 Recipient of the Vernia J. Huffman Community Health Nursing Award, 2010 Author Summary: Joy earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Portland in 2010. After graduation, she began her clinical career as a staff RN in a large Portland-area emergency room, and in 2015 joined the University of Portland’s DNP-FNP program. Joy's research interests were inspired by a passion for merging the physical and spiritual to promote wellness.