Abstract P161: Addressing Hypertension And Aging In Growing Tribal Afro-pakistani And Indigenous Migrant Populations In San Joaquin

Abstract

Introduction: San Joaquin Valley (SJV) Pakistani indigenous elderly migrants (SJIEM) and tribal Afro-Pakistani elderly populations (TAPEP) face health problems due to poor nutritional habits, financial and emotional stress from loss of social status, loss of physical capabilities, orthopedic disorders (OD), loneliness, reduced income which can increase risk for hypertension (HTN) and cardiovascular disease (CVD). Pakistan is ranked as the 12th highest source country for immigration into USA. SJV has a growing rate of at risk for HTN in SJIEM and TAPEP who live with their full time working adult children. Objectives: Trainees conducted HTN screenings at mosques located in the most medically served region, SJV to reduce CVD risk and spread awareness on HTN, stress management, nutrition, OD, exercise, and their implications in SJIEM and TAPEP. Methods: I trained medically ambitious low-income minority high school students to conduct blood pressure screenings with cultural humility and serve as health coaches for SJIM and TAPEP at SJV mosques. HTN screenings, stress management guidance, nutrition and heart health talks were conducted at SJV mosques with Imam (religious leader) for adult children and elderly. Findings: -Approximately (≈) 83% (91 of 110) of SJIEM & TAPEP felt financial & emotional stress during COVID and last year -≈68% (74 of 110) of SJIEM & TAPEP are hypertensive -≈68% (74 of 110) of SJIEM & TAPEP are at risk for CVD -≈2% (2 of 110) of SJIEM & TAPEP reported daily physical exercise -≈12% (13 of 110) of SJIEM & TAPEP were encouraged to physically exercise -≈90% (99 of 110) of SJIEM & TAPEP suffer from at least one form of OD -≈95% (105 of 110) of SJIEM & TAPEP eat over 4 servings of red meat per week -≈94% (103 of 110) of SJIEM & TAPEP prefer to rest than physically exercise -≈89% (97 of 110) of SJIEM & TAPEP felt dissatisfied by SJV medical treatment Direct Outcomes: -Development of self advocacy for health in SJIEM and TAPEP -Improved patient provider trustAdult children felt more confident in caring for elderly parents with nutrition and physical therapy -Youth learned the value of multiculturalism and service to disadvantaged communities -Program students are determined to pursue medicine and address health disparities in indigenous communities