Abstract 053: Heals Med-Tech: A Telehealth Based Behavioral Lifestyle Hypertension Control Program For High-risk African Americans Presenting At Primary Care Clinics

Abstract

Background: Hypertension (HTN) related disparities have been recognized for decades among African-Americans(AAs), particularly concerning HTN control, HTN awareness, and HTN compliance, particularly among AA women.The efficacy tested HEALS Med-Tech behavioral lifestyle program offers a promising solution. We present thefindings from the first 3 months of HEALS Med-Tech intervention on BP reduction and improvement in DASH dietand exercise. Primary outcomes of interest are changes in BP, while secondary outcomes include a change in BMIand waist circumference. Methods: HEALS Med-Tech program offers 3 components: a) HEALS ( He althy Ea ting and Li ving Sp iritually) a 12-month behavioral lifestyle intervention, modified from the DASH and PREMIER programs (3-mo interventionfollowed by 9-mos of maintenance); b) Med -component provides HTN management through medications and socialsupport provided by PCP and Community Health Ambassadors; and c) Tech -component provides interactivetelehealth by mobile phone to combat barriers to healthcare access. The results were analyzed using ANOVA andregression analysis. Dietary analysis was done to obtain DASH scores from the food diaries and 24-hr dietary recalls.The program is currently in month 6 of its maintenance phase. Results: A total of 62 AA participants were enrolled and randomized to either HEALS Med-Tech or standard care(control). At the end of 3 months, HEALS Med-Tech arm showed a significant reduction in SBP (13.11 mmHg; p=0.01)and DBP (4.2 mmHg; p=0.04) compared to the standard care arm (SBP and DBP change of 7.83 mmHg and 0.32mmHg), respectively. After 12 weeks of intervention, the average DASH scores were 2.002 for HEALS and 1.592 forcontrol arm compared to 1.620 and 1.500 at baseline for HEALS and control arm, respectively. Conclusion: A multidisciplinary, community-engaged approach with telehealth component for improved access tohealthcare may be useful in fostering the acceptability of behavior change interventions among marginalized AAs.