Abstract 051: Racial Differences In Hypertension Self-care Behaviors Among Adults With Hypertension In The Baltimore And Washington, D.C. Area

Abstract

Introduction: Interventions utilizing comprehensive hypertension (HBP) self-care evaluation tools may reduce HBP disparities. However, studies examining racial differences in HBP self-care among people diagnosed with HBP are limited. Methods: We analyzed cross-sectional data from adults with HBP that receive care in the Baltimore and Washington D.C. area. Twenty self-care behaviors were examined via the Hypertension Self-Care Profile (HBP-SCP) tool and scored as 4-point Likert with total scores ranging between 20-80. Multinomial logistic regression models were used to assess the association between race categories (White, Black/African American, Asian, American Indian/Alaskan Native, Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander, Other/Multi-racial) and HBP-SCP behaviors, adjusting for covariates. Results: The study included 4,391 adults diagnosed with HBP (mean age 62 ± 12 years; 55% female). The median HBP-SCP score was 47 and scores ≥ 47 or <47 were rated as good and poor, HBP self-care behavior, respectively. Compared to White adults, Asian and Black/African American adults were 29% less likely and 21% more likely, respectively, to have good HBP self-care behavior in the unadjusted model. Asian and Other/Multi-racial adults were 38% and 35%, respectively, less likely to have good HBP self-care behavior after adjusting for covariates compared to White adults (Table 1). Conclusion: Racial differences exist in HBP self-care behaviors among adults with HBP. These findings highlight the importance of practitioners assessing patients’ understanding of and adherence to self-care behaviors and developing culturally tailored approaches for improving adherence.