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Racial differences in perceptions concerning hypertension and its consequences
R Bloomfield1, L D Young, J Graves
1Department of Medicine (Nephrology), Bowman Gray School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27157.
Insights
Racial differences exist in how patients understand hypertension complications. Black patients identified renal failure more, while white patients identified atherosclerosis more. Tailored education is key for hypertension management.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Public Health
- Health Disparities
Background:
- Hypertension is a major public health concern with significant racial disparities in prevalence and outcomes.
- Understanding of hypertension and its complications can influence patient adherence to treatment and disease management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate potential racial differences in the understanding of hypertension and its consequences among Black and White patients.
- To assess if knowledge about hypertension varies between racial groups and impacts disease perception.
Main Methods:
- A questionnaire was administered to 83 Black and 260 White outpatients diagnosed with hypertension.
- Data collected included patient demographics, blood pressure readings, and knowledge of hypertension-related complications and normal blood pressure ranges.
Main Results:
- No significant racial differences were found in systolic or diastolic blood pressure, age, or gender distribution.
- Black patients were more likely to identify renal failure as a complication, while White patients were more likely to identify atherosclerosis.
- Black patients accepted higher diastolic blood pressure ranges (90-100 mm Hg) as normal compared to White patients (80-90 mm Hg).
Conclusions:
- Both Black and White patients demonstrated good general knowledge of antihypertensive therapy and hypertension complications.
- Population-specific educational strategies are needed to address differing perceptions and behaviors related to hypertension management.
- Effective hypertension treatment requires educational approaches that promote behavior change beyond simply identifying risks.
Abstract:
To investigate racial differences in hypertensive patients' understanding of their disorder, we administered a questionnaire to 83 black and 260 white outpatients with the diagnosis of hypertension designated in their medical chart. No racial differences in systolic or diastolic blood pressure, age, or male/female ratio were observed. However, blacks were more likely than whites to identify renal failure as a consequence of hypertension, whereas whites were more likely to identify atherosclerosis. Blacks also were more likely than whites to accept higher diastolic blood pressures as normal (90 to 100 mm Hg versus 80 to 90 mm Hg). There was no correlation between knowledge and blood pressure. Our observations show that both racial groups are well educated about antihypertensive therapy as well as the consequences and complications of hypertension. Comprehensive treatment of hypertension should include educational strategies that are population-specific and that address ways to change disease-relevant behaviors, rather than merely identifying which behaviors to change.