Abstract 16157: Community Targeting of Uncontrolled Hypertension (CTOUCH): Results of a Hypertension Screening and Education Intervention in Community Churches With Predominantly Minority Populations

• Published in: Circulation (New York, N.Y.) Vol. 138; no. Suppl_1 Suppl 1; p. A16157
• Main Authors: Escobar-Schulz, Sandra, Wang, Tianxiu, Jackson, Maya, Terrell, KaLynn, McPherson, Charles, Petzel-Gimbar, Renee, Del Rios, Marina, Prendergast, Heather M
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: by the American College of Cardiology Foundation and the American Heart Association, Inc 06-11-2018
• ISSN: 0009-7322; 1524-4539

IntroductionMinority populations are particularly burdened by uncontrolled hypertension (HTN) with disparities in treatment and outcomes well-documented in the United States. Patients with severely elevated BP (≥160/100 mmHg) are at the highest risk for developing secondary cardiovascular complications as a result of their uncontrolled HTN.ObjectiveTo determine the effectiveness of a community-based HTN Screening and Education Intervention on blood pressure (BP) improvement in a predominately minority population. The primary outcome was mean BP differences at 3-months.MethodsParticipants were screened for HTN across four community churches in Chicago. Those with elevated BPs (≥140/90 mmHg) were enrolled in a HTN intervention and followed up at 3-months. The intervention consisted of five surveys and a 3-minute culturally appropriate video on HTN. Individuals with severely elevated BPs (≥160/100 mmHg) additionally viewed a brief collection of echocardiograms images with changes resulting from uncontrolled HTN, and had a brief on-site consultation with a clinical pharmacist. All participants received automated BP monitors and information on Federally Qualified Health Centers in their area for ongoing care.ResultsThere were 152 individuals screened as part of the study, of which 59% (n= 89) had HTN and were enrolled in the intervention. Demographics of intervention participants included 59% African American, 39% Hispanic/Latino, and 2% other races. Baseline HTN knowledge and medication adherence were similar across racial/ethnic groups. The mean BP was 143/89 mmHg for participants with Moderate HTN (≥140/90 mmHg) and 166/98 mmHg for those with Severe HTN (≥160/100 mmHg). Mean differences in BP at 3-months for those with Moderate HTN were systolic-4.9 (SD, 16.5) and diastolic-2.3 (SD, 9.8) mmHg. Mean differences in BP for those with Severe HTN were systolic-15.0 SBP (SD, 20.6) and diastolic-7.4 (SD, 10.7) mmHg.ConclusionsParticipants in a community-focused HTN screening and brief education intervention experienced statistically significant improvements in BPs over a 3 month period. The greatest improvements were seen in those individuals with the greatest cardiovascular risk due to severely elevated BPs.