Abstract 11909: Education of Children Improves Awareness of Hypertension Novel Method to Improve Health Equity

Abstract

Introduction: Approximately 45% of the U.S. population has hypertension (HTN), with increased prevalence in Black adults in urban areas. HTN is a risk factor for heart disease, stroke, and renal failure. Increasing awareness of HTN during early education may improve health equity. We hypothesized a blood pressure (BP) educational program administered to primary school children would increase their awareness and knowledge of HTN. Methods: We engaged 31 4 th & 5 th graders from a predominantly Black, urban school in an innovative, experiential educational program administered across four, one-hour sessions as part of their curriculum. We taught and assessed students’ awareness of HTN across four topics: (1) knowledge of BP & HTN, (2) organ systems impacted by HTN, (3) habits to maintain a healthy BP, and (4) their competence to operate a BP monitor according to AHA recommendations. Using a 24-question survey, assessments of the first three categories were completed pre-program (baseline [BL]), one-day & 42-days (6 weeks) post-program. Results: Students’ knowledge of BP & the AHA HTN definition and organ systems impacted by HTN was low pre-program, but significantly improved at one- & 42-days post-program. Students’ knowledge of habits to maintain healthy BP was high at BL and did not change throughout the program (Table). Forty-two days post-program most students were able to perform BP measurements per AHA guidelines (>57.7%) and were able to correctly identify systole and diastole measurements (>69.2%). Conclusion: Implementing an educational program focused on knowledge and measurement of BP and HTN in 4 th & 5 th grade classrooms significantly raised awareness of HTN immediately and at 42-days post-instruction. The students retained the ability to measure BP and understand the components of BP. Raising awareness of BP and HTN in urban early education settings is feasible and may be the first step to decreasing the morbidity of a highly prevalent and modifiable disease.