Abstract
Problem Identification: Hypertension is one of the leading risk factors for cardiovascular disease and mortality in adults. Black young adults (18-39) experience higher rates of hypertension and lower rates of blood pressure control compared to other racial groups in that age range. Fruitridge Pocket is a largely Black, young adult community in Sacramento, CA which experiences increased hypertension prevalence compared to the rest of the county. Most Fruitridge residents have health coverage and access to transportation.
Analysis: Factors at the individual, interpersonal, institutional, and structural ecological levels contribute to the prevalence of hypertension among Black young adults. These factors include hypertension stigma, lack of physical activity, discriminatory environments, inadequate provider education, and unequal income distribution.
Intervention Proposal: Two intervention strategies are proposed. The first intervention strategy is a fitness and educational hybrid program designed to increase self-efficacy and perceived control toward physical activity. The second intervention strategy begins with a focus group which inform the development of hypertension education materials. These materials will be piloted by primary care providers in the area. The data from the focus group and pilot will be used to publish a policy paper that outlines recommendations for using community engagement to improve provider-to-patient education on blood pressure.
Implementation and Evaluation: A coalition will be formed with local partner organizations located within Fruitridge, and Leader-Member Exchange Theory will inform the relationships. Program staff are listed and described. Intervention design, evaluation, fidelity, and internal validity are discussed for all programs.