Implementation of an Adjunct Strategy to Reduce Blood Pressure in Blacks with Uncontrolled Hypertension: a Pilot Project. Ethn Dis 2015;25(2):168-74
Date
06/30/2015Pubmed ID
26118144Pubmed Central ID
PMC4977987Scopus ID
2-s2.0-84938686547 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site) 5 CitationsAbstract
A high prevalence of uncontrolled hypertension among Blacks is a major cause of racial health disparities in the United States. We established a community/academic partnership to improve hypertension control in Blacks receiving medical care at a federally qualified health center in Milwaukee. The defining components of our program included: six group sessions (one/month), based on the American Heart Association's Simple Seven curriculum and designed to motivate and empower patients to manage their blood pressure; active involvement of a community health worker; and ongoing participation of a community advisory board. The study design included a matched control group not exposed to the intervention. Patients in both groups received their usual medical care. Overall, compared to baseline, systolic blood pressure decreased at both 6 and 12 months (P < 0.004); however, the reduction of blood pressure in the intervention and control groups did not differ significantly (P = .62). Based on written responses to a questionnaire and structured focus group interviews after completing the six-month program, participants reported that the intervention was effective. In retrospect, they suggested that more attention might have been given to spirituality and stress reduction. Larger and longer-term studies will be required to evaluate the added value of this type of intervention.
Author List
Tully M, Kos A, Eastwood D, Kusch J, Kotchen TAuthor
Jennifer Kusch PhD Assistant Provost, Assistant Professor in the Academic Affairs department at Medical College of WisconsinMESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold
Community Health ServicesFemale
Focus Groups
Humans
Hypertension
Male
Middle Aged
Patient Education as Topic
Patient Satisfaction
Pilot Projects
Program Evaluation
Self Care