Abstract 15804: Intervention to Improve Self-management of Blood Pressure for Low-Income Black Patients With Severe Hypertension

Abstract

Background Hypertension is a leading cause of preventable mortality and morbidity and is disproportionately represented among minority populations. Despite proven interventions outlined in practice guidelines, only 48% of patients who are diagnosed with hypertension have their condition controlled. In a southeastern US county, the prevalence of hypertension is 42%, with a strong association with race, suggesting opportunities to intervene at a neighborhood level to reduce hypertension disparities and improve overall population health. Aims To improve access to care through targeted opportunities for self-management of blood pressure (BP). Methods: This quality initiative used a pre-post evaluation design. We identified Black low-income patients with uncontrolled hypertension (SBP > 160 mmHg and/or DBP > 100 mmHg) from a local federally qualified health center (FQHC). Trained student ambassadors provided telephone outreach, BP cuffs, and goal setting on AHA Essential 8 for 4 months. Follow-up occurred at 7 months. Results: Among Black participants (n=345), average age was 55.4 years (SD 8.7), and a majority were male (n=173, 50.1%) and uninsured (n=159, 46.1%). Engagement in calls occurred for 67.8% (n=234) of the cohort; cuff distribution was 22.9% (n=79); and AHA Essential 8 goal setting occurred for 64 patients. BP improved for 40% of the cohort (mean pre: 168/98 mmHg, mean post: 150/89 mmHg; p <0.0001). Of the cohort reached, 33% expressed social needs such as food insecurity, housing, and medication costs. Conclusion Findings suggest that telephone outreach with student ambassadors successfully improves patient engagement and reduces blood pressure, on average.