African-Americans More Likely to Develop Hypertension But Less Likely to Take Life-Saving Medication

Newswise — Racial disparities in hypertension control account for nearly 8,000 preventable deaths annually among African-Americans, making increased blood pressure control among African-Americans a “compelling goal,” reported Lisa M. Lewis, PhD, RN, of the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing in the Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing.

African-Americans commonly develop hypertension at a younger age, are less likely to have their blood pressure under control, and disproportionately suffer strokes and fatality when compared with their Caucasian counterparts. Statistics include a 30 percent greater rate of non-fatal stroke, an 80 percent greater rate of fatal stroke, and a staggering 420 percent greater rate of end-stage kidney disease for African-Americans.

But research estimates show that only 51 percent of all patients with hypertension adhere to their medications and that adherence rates are even lower for African-American patients.

Dr. Lewis identified self-efficacy, depression, and patient-provider communication among the factors in medication nonadherence. She called for further study, but advised that these factors are important for healthcare providers to consider when treating hypertensive African-American patients.

“Increasing blood pressure control requires a comprehensive approach,” wrote Dr. Lewis. “Given that self-efficacy and patient-provider communication are modifiable factors, they can be the focus of interventions to increase medication adherence. [Clinicians also] may want to screen their hypertensive patients for depression and treat if necessary.”

The University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing is one of the premier research institutions in nursing, producing new knowledge in geriatrics, pediatrics, oncology, quality-of-life choices, and other areas. Penn Nursing researchers consistently receive more research funding from the National Institutes of Health than any other private nursing school, and many master’s programs are ranked first in the country. This year, faculty, students, alumni, and staff celebrate 125 years of nursing at Penn.