Perceived Control Predicts Pulse Pressure in African American Men: The Baltimore Study of Black Aging

Area of Science:

• Psychosocial factors and cardiovascular health
• Health disparities in African American men

Background:

• African American men face higher rates of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and earlier mortality.
• Limited research has explored psychosocial influences on CVD risk specifically within this demographic.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the combined impact of stress, depression, and perceived control on pulse pressure, a CVD risk marker.
• To identify psychosocial predictors of cardiovascular health in African American men.

Main Methods:

• Hierarchical linear regression analysis was employed.
• Data from 153 African American men (mean age 66.73) from the Baltimore Study of Black Aging (BSBA) were analyzed.
• Pulse pressure was the primary outcome variable, with stress, depression, and perceived control as predictors.

Main Results:

• Perceived control significantly predicted pulse pressure after controlling for age and health indicators.
• Stress and depression did not emerge as significant predictors in this model.
• Higher perceived control was associated with lower pulse pressure.

Conclusions:

• A strong sense of personal efficacy (perceived control) is a protective factor for cardiovascular health among African American men.
• Interventions aimed at enhancing perceived control may be a viable strategy to mitigate CVD risk in this population.
• Further research is warranted to explore the clinical utility of interventions targeting perceived control for CVD prevention.