Intervention Study to Control High Blood Pressure for Korean American

High Blood Pressure Care for Korean Americans

The primary objective of the proposed clinical trials is to compare the differential reduction in blood pressure in underserved hypertensive adult Korean American. The study is designed to test the effectiveness of a comprehensive self-help intervention program.

CVD is the leading cause of mortality among KA. Recent statistics underscoring the high prevalence and impact of uncontrolled HBP upon this population warrant the development and implementation of effective intervention. KA experiences a great deal of social isolation, which makes it more difficult for them to make behavioral changes for health improvement. individual, family, and community behaviors are part of the HBP problem and also constitute major part of the solution. The proposed research is designed to investigate these issues in a KA population and to lay the groundwork for community-based self-help health education interventions to enhance appropriate care and BP control.

Comparison(s):This community-based self-help intervention approach offers a more culturally appropriate approach to closing the health status gap for KA. Incorporating a partnership with community leaders and health and human service care providers, this approach will utilize state-of-the-art health education strategies and a well-trained bilingual nurse from the community.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Self-identified as first-generation Korean American
• Age 40 to 65 years of age
• SBP≥140 or DBP≥90mmHg on HBP medication
• resident of Greater Baltimore census tracts
• Written consent to participate in the screening/eligibility visit
• SBP≥140 or DBP≥90mmHg at the KRC HBP verification visit
• Written consent to participate in the clinical trial:agreeing to participate in study data collection procedures, receiving HBP education, using HBPMT, and permitting contact with their own medical care provider.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Acute and/or terminal condition precluding participation such as terminal cancer or acute myocardial infarction
• Psychiatric diagnosis precluding participation such as schizophrenia and cognitive impairment measured by self-report, chart review, or clinical assessment.