Abstract 14331: Findings of a Novel Barbershop-Based Peripheral Artery Disease Screening Program and Intervention for Black Men

Abstract

Introduction: Peripheral artery disease (PAD) increases risk of cardiovascular events and limb events including amputations. Black race is a strong risk factor for PAD. Screening for PAD using the ankle-brachial index (ABI) can lead to early diagnosis and treatment. This is the first study to screen for PAD using the ABI in barbershops. Hypothesis: Barbershop-based screening and an educational intervention can detect PAD and increase PAD knowledge in a high-risk population. Methods: A screening pilot study was conducted at two barbershops in Cleveland from June-December 2020. Black male participants aged 40-89 completed an initial screening visit with automated ABI and a confirmatory visit with Doppler ABI. All were invited to watch an educational video on PAD and interviewed at 2-month follow-up. Automated blood pressure, health status, and knowledge about PAD were assessed at all visits. Results: 37 participants completed the initial screening, 31 (84%) completed the confirmatory testing visit, 29 (78%) completed the exit visit, and 27 (73%) watched the educational video. After screening with both automated and Doppler ABI, PAD was identified in 5/31 (16.1%) participants. PAD awareness was low, but among those who completed the study, 23 (82%) showed improved PAD awareness scores as well as improvement in their self-assessed knowledge of PAD ( p< 0.001). An association was found between good PAD awareness at baseline and education: compared to those with some college education, those who did not graduate high school scored lower on PAD awareness ( p = .022), as did those who only had a high school diploma or GED ( p = .049). Conclusions: In a pilot study, barbershop-based screening for PAD among Black men revealed a higher than expected PAD prevalence and low PAD awareness. ABI screening and an educational video increased PAD awareness. ABI screening and educational outreach in the barbershop may be effective tools to diagnose PAD and increase awareness among Black men.