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Partnering With Schools for Community-Based Health Interventions: How Educating Children Improves Hypertension
Jennifer Hundley1, Kristine Olson1, Cherylann Rocha1
1Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, VCU Health, Richmond, VA.
Background:
More than 16,000 Virginians die of cardiovascular disease each year, with increased morbidity among Black and low-income adults. Hypertension (HTN) is the most modifiable cardiovascular disease risk factor. A community-based health intervention administered in partnership with schools may increase HTN awareness and reduce the development of unhealthy practices.
Methods:
Elementary school students (n=52) attending a majority Black and low-income school participated in an educational intervention program called Teach BP that is designed to increase HTN awareness across 4 topics: knowledge of blood pressure (BP) and HTN, organ systems impacted by HTN, habits to maintain a healthy BP, and competency in operating a BP monitor.
Results:
Students' ability to define and recognize HTN increased by an average of 62.7%. Their awareness of how HTN affects the body increased by an average of 92.1%. Additionally, students demonstrated competency in operating a BP monitor.
Conclusion:
The Teach BP program was effective at increasing students' awareness of HTN.
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