Risk Factors for Hypertension among a Church-based, Black Population in London

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Maxine A Newell
Naomi N Modeste
Helen Hopp Marshak
Colwick Wilson
Sherma J. Charlemagne-Badal

Abstract

Compared to other ethnic groups, there is an increased prevalence of hypertension, and subsequent morbidity and mortality, among people of African descent residing in the United Kingdom. We studied a group of people of African descent living in London to examine the impact of their lifestyle on hypertension. A cross-sectional study, using a convenience sample of individuals aged 25-79 from 17 predominantly Black Seventh-day Adventist churches across London. Linear regressions were run between the main variables of RR score for hypertension and blood pressure levels. Hypertension was more prevalent among males (34%) than females (21.6%). Relative Risk Estimates for hypertension were predictive of diastolic blood pressure (p<.05). The blood pressure levels among the participants in this study were lower than Caribbean-born Blacks but higher than African-born Blacks in the national UK data for minorities. For this church-based group education concerning health practices did not significantly impact their moving towards lifestyles that decreased HTN risk. Behavior change, therefore, must be the focus of future interventions.

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Section
Research Articles

References

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