Abstract 11679: Simple Text-Messaging and Social Support to Increase Hypertension Medication Adherence in Non-Hispanic Black Adults in New Orleans, LA

Abstract

Introduction: Non-Hispanic Black adults (NHB) have the highest US CVD risk, the leading cause of mortality. Medication nonadherence predicts suboptimal HTN control. Self-measured blood pressure (SMBP) effectively tracks BP changes and medication response. Purpose: This New Orleans, LA predominantly NHB single cohort pilot study examined uncontrolled HTN utilizing bidirectional electronic messaging (BEM) with an interdisciplinary healthcare team assessing medication adherence, quality of life (QOL), and BP, without pharmacotherapeutic change. Methods: Participants were screened from Tulane Cardiology Clinic and community sources. Eligibility criteria included: uncontrolled HTN (BP >130/80 mmHg), low Krousel-Wood (KW) adherence score, and smartphone access. Participants (n=36) were provided validated bluetooth-enabled BP devices synced to smartphones via a cloud-based BP recording app. Demographic information included: age, self-identified race (91.7% NHB), and sex. Pre- and post-study KW adherence scores, CDC Health Related QOL surveys, BMI and BP were obtained. Participants were followed with BEM for 8 weeks with SMBP and daily text reminders. Results: Mean age was 58.7±12.8 years; mean BMI was 34.8±7.8; 63.9% were female; 25.7 % with previous diabetes diagnosis; 72% with obesity. Nonadherence significantly improved with mean KW adherence composite score change from 2.19 to 1.58 (p = 0.0001). Mean baseline SBP/DBP was 142.19/81.19; SBP decreased significantly by mean 10.5±20.0 mmHg (p = 0.0027) with no significant change in DBP. There was a non-significant decline in the average summary index of unhealthy days during the previous 30 days from 9.1 days to 6.8 days, change -2.3 ± 10.7 (p = 0.21). Conclusions: A novel approach combining cloud-based bluetooth SMBP transmission with BEM health communication significantly improved medication adherence and systolic BP in a predominantly NHB urban cohort without modifying existing pharmacotherapy. “Supported in part by U54 GM104940 from the National Institute of General Medical Sciences of NIH, which funds the LA Clinical and Translational Science Center. Content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent official views of the NIH.”