Faculty Collaboration Database

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

06/30/2015

Pubmed ID

26118144

Pubmed Central ID

PMC4977987

Scopus ID

2-s2.0-84938686547 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site)   5 Citations

Abstract

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 T

Author

Jennifer Kusch PhD Assistant Provost, Assistant Professor in the Academic Affairs department at Medical College of Wisconsin

MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold

Community Health Services
Female
Focus Groups
Humans
Hypertension
Male
Middle Aged
Patient Education as Topic
Patient Satisfaction
Pilot Projects
Program Evaluation
Self Care