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Summary
Many individuals with untreated high diastolic blood pressure (DBP) do not seek medical care. This lack of healthcare access persists even after referral, highlighting a critical gap in hypertension management.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Cardiovascular Health
- Health Disparities
Background:
- Hypertension is a significant public health concern, particularly in rural and underserved communities.
- Understanding barriers to medical care access is crucial for effective hypertension management.
- Previous research indicates disparities in healthcare utilization among different demographic groups.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between medical care utilization and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) in a rural Southern biracial community.
- To identify factors contributing to the nonuse of medical care among individuals with untreated hypertension.
- To assess healthcare-seeking behaviors following referral for elevated blood pressure.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study involving 2,939 individuals from a rural Southern biracial community.
- Data collected through surveys on medical care use (physician visits in the preceding year) and self-reported health.
- Diastolic blood pressure (DBP) levels were measured, categorizing individuals based on hypertension status (untreated DBP >= 100 mm Hg).
Main Results:
- Nonuse of medical care was significantly associated with higher DBP levels in individuals not receiving antihypertensive treatment.
- Approximately 50% of individuals with untreated DBP >= 100 mm Hg had not seen a physician in the past year, irrespective of hypertension awareness.
- This association remained after controlling for demographic factors and self-reported health status.
- Following referral, only 28% of individuals with moderate hypertension (DBP >= 100 mm Hg) visited a physician within 3 months.
Conclusions:
- A substantial proportion of individuals with untreated hypertension do not utilize medical care, indicating a significant barrier to managing high blood pressure.
- Lack of timely medical care access for hypertension is not explained by demographic or self-reported health differences.
- Even after referral, healthcare-seeking behavior for elevated blood pressure remains low, underscoring the need for targeted interventions to improve hypertension control in this population.