Olugbenga Ogedegbe
Olugbenga Ogedegbe
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Professor of Social and Behavioral Sciences
Professor for the Department of Population Health at NYU Grossman School of Medicine
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Professional overview
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Gbenga Ogedegbe, a physician, is Professor of Population Health & Medicine, Chief Division of Health & Behavior and Director Center for Healthful Behavior Change in the Department of Population Health at the School of Medicine. Gbenga is a leading expert on health disparities research; his work focuses on the implementation of evidence-based interventions for cardiovascular risk reduction in minority populations. He is Principal Investigator on numerous NIH projects, and has expanded his work globally to Sub-Saharan Africa where he is funded by the NIH to strengthen research capacity and reduce the burden of noncommunicable diseases. He has co-authored over 250 publications and his work has been recognized by receipt of several research and mentoring awards including the prestigious John M. Eisenberg Excellence in Mentorship Award from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, and the Daniel Savage Science Award. He has served on numerous scientific panels including the NIH, CDC, World Health Organization, and the European Union Research Council. Prior to joining NYU, he was faculty at Cornell Weill Medical School and Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons.
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Education
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MPH from Columbia University, 1999Residency, Montefiore Medical Center, Internal Medicine, 1998MD from Donetsk University, 1988
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Areas of research and study
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Access to HealthcareGlobal HealthHealth of Marginalized PopulationImplementation and Impact of Public Health RegulationsImplementation scienceStroke and Cardiovascular Disease
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Publications
Publications
Suboptimal sleep and incident cardiovascular disease among African Americans in the Jackson Heart Study (JHS)
AbstractButler, M. J., Spruill, T. M., Johnson, D. A., Redline, S., Sims, M., Jenkins, B. C., Booth, J. N., Thomas, S. J., Abdalla, M., O’Brien, E. C., Mentz, R. J., Ogedegbe, G., & Williams, N. J. (n.d.).Publication year
2020Journal title
Sleep MedicineVolume
76Page(s)
89-97AbstractBackground: Suboptimal sleep, including insufficient/long sleep duration and poor sleep quality, is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD) common but there is little information among African Americans, a group with a disproportionate CVD burden. The current study examined the association between suboptimal sleep and incident CVD among African Americans. Methods: This study included 4,522 African Americans without CVD at baseline (2000–2004) of the Jackson Heart Study (JHS). Self-reported sleep duration was defined as very short (<6 h/night), short (6 h/night), recommended (7–8 h/night), and long (≥9 h/night). Participants’ self-reported sleep quality was defined as “high” and “low” quality. Suboptimal sleep was defined by low quality sleep and/or insufficient/long sleep duration. Incident CVD was a composite of incident coronary heart disease and stroke. Associations between suboptimal sleep and incident CVD were examined using Cox proportional hazards models over 15 follow-up years with adjustment for predictors of CVD risk and obstructive sleep apnea. Results: Sample mean age was 54 years (SD = 13), 64% female and 66% reported suboptimal sleep. Suboptimal sleep was not associated with incident CVD after covariate adjustment [HR(95% CI) = 1.18(0.97–1.46)]. Long [HR(95%CI) = 1.32(1.02–1.70)] and very short [HR(95% CI) = 1.56(1.06–2.30)] sleep duration were associated with incident CVD relative to recommended sleep duration. Low quality sleep was not associated with incident CVD (p = 0.413). Conclusions: Long and very short self-reported sleep duration but not self-reported sleep quality were associated with increased hazard of incident CVD.Tailored approach to sleep health education (TASHE): A randomized controlled trial of a web-based application
AbstractJean-Louis, G., Robbins, R., Williams, N. J., Allegrante, J. P., Rapoport, D. M., Cohall, A., & Ogedegbe, G. (n.d.).Publication year
2020Journal title
Journal of Clinical Sleep MedicineVolume
16Issue
8Page(s)
1331-1341AbstractStudy Objectives: In a randomized controlled trial, we compared the effect of the Tailored Approach to Sleep Health Education (TASHE) on obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) self-efficacy among community-dwelling blacks in New York City. Methods: Study participants were 194 blacks at high risk for OSA based on the Apnea Risk Evaluation System. TASHE intervention was delivered via a Wi-Fi-enabled tablet, programmed to provide online access to culturally and linguistically tailored information designed to address unique barriers to OSA care among blacks. Blacks in the attention-controlled arm received standard sleep information via the National Sleep Foundation website. Blacks in both arms accessed online sleep information for 2 months. Outcomes (OSA health literacy, self-efficacy, knowledge and beliefs, and sleep hygiene) were assessed at baseline, at 2 months, and at 6 months. Results: We compared outcomes in both arms based on intention-to-treat analysis using adjusted Generalized Linear Mixed Modeling. TASHE exposure significantly increased OSA self-efficacy (OSA outcome expectation [β =.5; 95% CI:.1-.9] and OSA treatment efficacy [β = 0.4; 95% CI:.0-.8]) at 2 months but not at 6 months. Additionally, TASHE exposure improved sleep hygiene at 6 months (β = 6.7; 95% CI: 2.2-11.3) but not at 2 months. Conclusions: Community-dwelling blacks exposed to TASHE materials reported increased OSA self-efficacy compared with standard sleep health education. Stakeholder-engaged, theory-based approaches, as demonstrated in the TASHE intervention, can be used successfully to deliver effective sleep health messages. Clinical Trial Registration: Registry: ClinicalTrials.gov; URL: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02507089; Identifier: NCT02507089.Trends in hypertension clinical trials focused on interventions specific for black adults: An analysis of clinicaltrials.gov
Zheutlin, A. R., Caldwell, D., Anstey, D. E., Conroy, M. B., Ogedegbe, O., & Bress, A. P. (n.d.). In Journal of the American Heart Association (1–).Publication year
2020Volume
9Issue
24Underutilization of Treatment for Black Adults With Apparent Treatment-Resistant Hypertension: JHS and the REGARDS Study
AbstractLangford, A. T., Akinyelure, O. P., Moore, T. L., Howard, G., Min, Y. I., Hillegass, W. B., Bress, A. P., Tajeu, G. S., Butler, M., Jaeger, B. C., Yano, Y., Shimbo, D., Ogedegbe, G., Calhoun, D., Booth, J. N., & Muntner, P. (n.d.).Publication year
2020Journal title
HypertensionVolume
76Issue
5Page(s)
1600-1607AbstractResistant hypertension, defined as blood pressure levels above goal while taking ≥3 classes of antihypertensive medication or ≥4 classes regardless of blood pressure level, is associated with increased cardiovascular disease risk. The 2018 American Heart Association Scientific Statement on Resistant Hypertension recommends healthy lifestyle habits and thiazide-like diuretics and mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists for adults with resistant hypertension. The term apparent treatment-resistant hypertension (aTRH) is used when pseudoresistance cannot be excluded. We estimated the use of healthy lifestyle factors and recommended antihypertensive medication classes among US Black adults with aTRH. Data were pooled for Black participants in the JHS (Jackson Heart Study) in 2009 to 2013 (n=2496) and the REGARDS study (Reasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke) in 2013 to 2016 (n=3786). Outcomes included lifestyle factors (not smoking, not consuming alcohol, ≥75 minutes of vigorous-intensity or ≥150 minutes of moderate or vigorous physical activity per week, and body mass index <25 kg/m2) and recommended antihypertensive medications (thiazide-like diuretics and mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists). Overall, 28.3% of participants who reported taking antihypertensive medication had aTRH. Among participants with aTRH, 14.5% and 1.2% had ideal levels of 3 and 4 of the lifestyle factors, respectively. Also, 5.9% of participants with aTRH reported taking a thiazide-like diuretic, and 9.8% reported taking a mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist. In conclusion, evidence-based lifestyle factors and recommended pharmacological treatment are underutilized in Black adults with aTRH. Increased use of lifestyle recommendations and antihypertensive medication classes specifically recommended for aTRH may improve blood pressure control and reduce cardiovascular disease-related morbidity and mortality among US Black adults. Graphic Abstract A graphic abstract is available for this article.Uptake of Task-Strengthening Strategy for Hypertension (TASSH) control within Community-Based Health Planning Services in Ghana: Study protocol for a cluster randomized controlled trial
AbstractAsante, K. P., Iwelunmor, J., Apusiga, K., Gyamfi, J., Nyame, S., Adjei, K. G. A., Aifah, A., Adjei, K., Onakomaiya, D., Chaplin, W. F., Ogedegbe, G., & Plange-Rhule, J. (n.d.).Publication year
2020Journal title
TrialsVolume
21Issue
1AbstractBackground: Physician shortage is a major barrier to hypertension (HTN) control in Ghana, with only one physician to 10,000 patients in 2015, thus limiting its capacity for HTN control at the primary care level such as the Community Health Planning and Services (CHPS) compounds, where most Ghanaians receive care. A Task-Shifting Strategy for HTN control (TASSH) based on the WHO Cardiovascular (CV) Risk Package is an evidence-based strategy for mitigating provider-and systems-level barriers to optimal HTN control. Despite its effectiveness, TASSH remains untested in CHPS zones. Additionally, primary care practices in low-and middle-income countries (LMICs) lack resources and expertise needed to coordinate multilevel system changes without assistance. The proposed study will evaluate the effectiveness of practice facilitation (PF) as a quality improvement strategy for implementing TASSH within CHPS zones in Ghana. Methods: Guided by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research and the Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, and Maintenance framework, we will evaluate, in a hybrid clinical effectiveness-implementation design, the effect of PF on the uptake of an evidence-based TASSH, among 700 adults who present to 70 CHPS zones with uncontrolled HTN. Components of the PF strategy include (a) an advisory board that provides leadership support for implementing the intervention within the CHPS zones and (b) trained task-strengthening facilitators (TSFs) who serve as practice coaches to provide training, and performance feedback to community health officers (CHOs) who will deliver TASSH at the CHPS zones. For this purpose, the TSFs are trained to identify, counsel, and refer adults with uncontrolled HTN to community health centers in Bono East Region of Ghana. Discussion: Uptake of community-based evidence-supported interventions for hypertension control in Ghana is urgently needed to address the CVD epidemic and its associated morbidity, mortality, and societal costs. Findings from this study will provide policymakers and other stakeholders the "how to do it"empirical literature on the uptake of evidence-based task-strengthening interventions for HTN control in Ghana and will serve as a model for similar action in other low, middle-income countries. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03490695. Registered on 6 April 2018. Protocol version and date: Version 1, date: 21 August, 2019.Adopting Task-Shifting Strategies for Hypertension Control in Ghana: Insights From a Realist Synthesis of Stakeholder Perceptions
AbstractIwelunmor, J., Onakomaiya, D., Gyamfi, J., Nyame, S., Apusiga, K., Adjei, K., Mantey, K., Plange-Rhule, J., Asante, K. P., & Ogedegbe, G. (n.d.).Publication year
2019Journal title
Global HeartVolume
14Issue
2Page(s)
119-127AbstractBackground: The adoption, intention, initial decision or action to implement evidence-based strategies for hypertension control in real-world settings is a challenge in low- and middle-income countries. Although stakeholders are essential for the adoption of evidence-based interventions, data on how to engage them to improve uptake of these strategies is lacking. Using a realist synthesis of stakeholder perspectives, the authors describe a process for engaging stakeholders to identify facilitators and barriers to the adoption of an evidence-based task-strengthening strategy for hypertension control in Ghana. Objectives: To identify stakeholder perceptions of the factors influencing the adoption of evidence-based task-shifting strategies for hypertension control in Ghana. Methods: A realist evaluation of interviews, focus groups, and brainstorming activities was conducted to evaluate stakeholder perceptions of an evidence-based strategy designed to identify, counsel, and refer patients with hypertension for care in community health centers. Stakeholders included community health officers, administrators, and policymakers from the Ghana Health Service, researchers, and community health officers in community-based health planning services in the Kintampo region of Ghana. The study used a realist synthesis approach to thematically analyze the qualitative data generated. Results: Sixty-two stakeholders participated in the study. They identified inner contextual characteristics such as the provision of resources, training, supervision, and monitoring as well as community outreach as important for the adoption of an evidence-based strategy in Ghana. The findings highlight how stakeholders are faced with multiple and often competing system strains when contemplating uptake of evidence-based strategies for hypertension control. Conclusions: Through the application of a realist synthesis of stakeholder perceptions, the study identified factors likely to enhance the adoption of an evidence-based strategy for hypertension control in Ghana. The lessons learned will help shape the translation of evidence in real-world settings, and could be valuable in future planning to enhance the adoption of evidence-based strategies for hypertension control in LMICs.Association Between High Perceived Stress Over Time and Incident Hypertension in Black Adults: Findings From the Jackson Heart Study
AbstractSpruill, T. M., Butler, M. J., Thomas, S. J., Tajeu, G. S., Kalinowski, J., Castañeda, S. F., Langford, A. T., Abdalla, M., Blackshear, C., Allison, M., Ogedegbe, G., Sims, M., & Shimbo, D. (n.d.).Publication year
2019Journal title
Journal of the American Heart AssociationVolume
8Issue
21AbstractBackground: Chronic psychological stress has been associated with hypertension, but few studies have examined this relationship in blacks. We examined the association between perceived stress levels assessed annually for up to 13 years and incident hypertension in the Jackson Heart Study, a community-based cohort of blacks. Methods and Results: Analyses included 1829 participants without hypertension at baseline (Exam 1, 2000–2004). Incident hypertension was defined as blood pressure≥140/90 mm Hg or antihypertensive medication use at Exam 2 (2005–2008) or Exam 3 (2009–2012). Each follow-up interval at risk of hypertension was categorized as low, moderate, or high perceived stress based on the number of annual assessments between exams in which participants reported “a lot” or “extreme” stress over the previous year (low, 0 high stress ratings; moderate, 1 high stress rating; high, ≥2 high stress ratings). During follow-up (median, 7.0 years), hypertension incidence was 48.5%. Hypertension developed in 30.6% of intervals with low perceived stress, 34.6% of intervals with moderate perceived stress, and 38.2% of intervals with high perceived stress. Age-, sex-, and time-adjusted risk ratios (95% CI) associated with moderate and high perceived stress versus low perceived stress were 1.19 (1.04–1.37) and 1.37 (1.20–1.57), respectively (P trend<0.001). The association was present after adjustment for demographic, clinical, and behavioral factors and baseline stress (P trend=0.001). Conclusions: In a community-based cohort of blacks, higher perceived stress over time was associated with an increased risk of developing hypertension. Evaluating stress levels over time and intervening when high perceived stress is persistent may reduce hypertension risk.Association of Daytime and Nighttime Blood Pressure with Cardiovascular Disease Events among African American Individuals
AbstractYano, Y., Tanner, R. M., Sakhuja, S., Jaeger, B. C., Booth, J. N., Abdalla, M., Pugliese, D., Seals, S. R., Ogedegbe, G., Jones, D. W., Muntner, P., & Shimbo, D. (n.d.).Publication year
2019Journal title
JAMA CardiologyVolume
4Issue
9Page(s)
910-917AbstractImportance: Little is known regarding health outcomes associated with higher blood pressure (BP) levels measured outside the clinic among African American individuals. Objective: To examine whether daytime and nighttime BP levels measured outside the clinic among African American individuals are associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD) and all-cause mortality independent of BP levels measured inside the clinic. Design, Setting, and Participants: This prospective cohort study analyzed data from 1034 African American participants in the Jackson Heart Study who completed ambulatory BP monitoring at baseline (September 26, 2000, to March 31, 2004). Mean daytime and nighttime BPs were calculated based on measurements taken while participants were awake and asleep, respectively. Data were analyzed from July 1, 2017, to April 30, 2019. Main Outcomes and Measures: Cardiovascular disease events, including coronary heart disease and stroke, experienced through December 31, 2014, and all-cause mortality experienced through December 31, 2016, were adjudicated. The associations of daytime BP and nighttime BP, separately, with CVD events and all-cause mortality were determined using Cox proportional hazards regression models. Results: A total of 1034 participants (mean [SD] age, 58.9 [10.9] years; 337 [32.6%] male; and 583 [56.4%] taking antihypertensive medication) were included in the study. The mean daytime systolic BP (SBP)/diastolic BP (DBP) was 129.4/77.6 mm Hg, and the mean nighttime SBP/DBP was 121.3/68.4 mm Hg. During follow-up (median [interquartile range], 12.5 [11.1-13.6] years for CVD and 14.8 [13.7-15.6] years for all-cause mortality), 113 CVD events and 194 deaths occurred. After multivariable adjustment, including in-clinic SBP and DBP, the hazard ratios (HRs) for CVD events for each SD higher level were 1.53 (95% CI, 1.24-1.88) for daytime SBP (per 13.5 mm Hg), 1.48 (95% CI, 1.22-1.80) for nighttime SBP (per 15.5 mm Hg), 1.25 (95% CI, 1.02-1.51) for daytime DBP (per 9.3 mm Hg), and 1.30 (95% CI, 1.06-1.59) for nighttime DBP (per 9.5 mm Hg). Nighttime SBP was associated with all-cause mortality (HR per 1-SD higher level, 1.24; 95% CI, 1.06-1.45), but no association was present for daytime SBP (HR, 1.13; 95% CI, 0.97-1.33) and daytime (HR, 0.95; 95% CI, 0.81-1.10) and nighttime (HR, 1.06; 95% CI, 0.90-1.24) DBP. Conclusions and Relevance: Among African American individuals, higher daytime and nighttime SBPs were associated with an increased risk for CVD events and all-cause mortality independent of BP levels measured in the clinic. Measurement of daytime and nighttime BP using ambulatory monitoring during a 24-hour period may help identify African American individuals who have an increased cardiovascular disease risk.Capabilities, opportunities and motivations for integrating evidence-based strategy for hypertension control into HIV clinics in Southwest Nigeria
AbstractIwelunmor, J., Ezechi, O., Obiezu-Umeh, C., Gbajabiamila, T., Musa, A. Z., Oladele, D., Idigbe, I., Ohihoin, A., Gyamfi, J., Aifah, A., Salako, B., & Ogedegbe, O. (n.d.).Publication year
2019Journal title
PloS oneVolume
14Issue
6AbstractBackground Given the growing burden of cardiovascular diseases in sub-Saharan Africa, global donors and governments are exploring strategies for integrating evidence-based cardiovascular diseases prevention into HIV clinics. We assessed the capabilities, motivations and opportunities that exist for HIV clinics to apply evidence-based strategies for hypertension control among people living with HIV (PLHIV) in Nigeria. Methods We used a concurrent Quan-Qual- study approach (a quantitative first step using structured questionnaires followed by a qualitative approach using stakeholder meetings).We invited key stakeholders and representatives of HIV and non-communicable disease organizations in Lagos, Nigeria to 1) assess the capacity of HIV clinics (n = 29) to, and; 2) explore their attitudes and perceptions towards implementing evidence-based strategies for hypertension management in Lagos, Nigeria (n = 19)The quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS whereas responses from the stakeholders meeting were coded and analyzed using thematic approach and an implementation science framework, the COM-B (Capabilities, Opportunities, Motivations and Behavior) model, guided the mapping and interpretation of the data. Results Out of the 29 HIV clinics that participated in the study, 28 clinics were public, government-owned facilities with 394 HIV patients per month with varying capabilities, opportunities and motivations for integrating evidence-based hypertension interventions within their services for PLHIV. Majority of the clinics (n = 26) rated medium-to-low on the psychological capability domains, while most of the clinics (n = 25) rated low on the physical capabilities of integrating evidence-based hypertension interventions within HIV clinics. There was high variability in the ratings for the opportunity domains, with physical opportunities rated high in only eight HIV clinics, two clinics with a medium rating and nineteen clinics with a low rating. Social opportunity domain tended to be rated low in majority of the HIV clinics (n = 21). Lastly, almost all the HIV clinics (n = 23) rated high on the reflective motivation domain although automatic motivations tended to be rated low across the HIV clinics. Conclusion In this study, we found that with the exception of motivations, the relative capabilities whether physical or psychological and the relative opportunities for integrating evidence-based hypertension intervention within HIV clinics in Nigeria were minimal. Thus, there is need to strengthen the HIV clinics in Lagos for the implementation of evidence-based hypertension interventions within HIV clinics to improve patient outcomes and service delivery in Southwest Nigeria.Capacity and Readiness for Implementing Evidence-Based Task-Strengthening Strategies for Hypertension Control in Ghana: A Cross-Sectional Study
AbstractNyame, S., Iwelunmor, J., Ogedegbe, G., Adjei, K. G. A., Adjei, K., Apusiga, K., Gyamfi, J., Asante, K. P., & Plange-Rhule, J. (n.d.).Publication year
2019Journal title
Global HeartVolume
14Issue
2Page(s)
129-134AbstractBackground: Assessing the practice capacity for hypertension management and control within community-based health planning and services system is an important step toward implementing evidence-based interventions to reduce uncontrolled hypertension at the community level. Objectives: To assess the capacity and readiness of community health workers to implement a task-strengthening strategy for hypertension control (TASSH) at the community level. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study guided by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research conducted among community health workers in 6 contiguous districts within the Brong-Ahafo Region of Ghana. Study variables were described using frequency tables. Results: A total of 179 community health officers (CHOs) were interviewed. The majority of respondents knew lifestyle-related messages to be provided to their clients such as heart-healthy diets (91.6%, n = 164), physical activity (90.5%, n = 162), and low sodium intake (88.3%, n = 158), but not about other lifestyle-modifying messages such as caffeine reduction (46.4%, n = 83). The majority (79%) of the respondents did not know the names of the first-line hypertension medications. Fifty-one percent of respondents did not know about the blood pressure threshold for initiation of blood pressure management. About 90% of respondents had not been trained on hypertension management. More than 80% are however motivated to implement the TASSH intervention. Conclusions: The majority of CHOs in this study were aware of lifestyle modifications such as diet modifications and increase in physical activity. However, their knowledge was limited in the blood pressure threshold for initiating treatment and in the knowledge of first-line hypertension medication, irrespective of the number of years practiced. Training on hypertension is also low. However, CHOs are motivated to control hypertension at the community level. Community-level interventions such as TASSH can leverage on their motivation to demonstrate an impact on hypertension control.Cardiovascular Disease and Mortality in Adults Aged ≥60 Years According to Recommendations by the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association and American College of Physicians/American Academy of Family Physicians
AbstractJaeger, B. C., Anstey, D. E., Bress, A. P., Booth, J. N., Butler, M., Clark, D., Howard, G., Kalinowski, J., Long, D. L., Ogedegbe, G., Plante, T. B., Shimbo, D., Sims, M., Supiano, M. A., Whelton, P. K., & Muntner, P. (n.d.).Publication year
2019Journal title
HypertensionVolume
73Issue
2Page(s)
327-334AbstractIn 2017, the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association (ACC/AHA) and the American College of Physicians/American Academy of Family Physicians (ACP/AAFP) published blood pressure guidelines. Adults recommended antihypertensive medication initiation or intensification by the ACP/AAFP guideline receive the same recommendation from the ACC/AHA guideline. However, many adults ≥60 years old are recommended to initiate or intensify antihypertensive medication by the ACC/AHA but not the ACP/AAFP guideline. We compared atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease event rates according to antihypertensive treatment recommendations in the ACC/AHA and ACP/AAFP guidelines among adults ≥60 years old with systolic blood pressure ≥130 mm Hg or diastolic blood pressure ≥80 mm Hg in the REGARDS study (Reasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke) and the JHS (Jackson Heart Study). Among 4311 participants not taking antihypertensive medication at baseline, 11.4%, 61.2%, and 27.4% were recommended antihypertensive medication initiation by neither guideline, the ACC/AHA but not the ACP/AAFP guideline, and both guidelines, respectively. Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease event rates (95% CI) for these groups were 3.4 (1.6-5.2), 18.0 (16.1-19.8), and 25.3 (21.9-28.6) per 1000 person-years, respectively. Among 7281 participants taking antihypertensive medication at baseline, 57.9% and 42.1% were recommended antihypertensive medication intensification by the ACC/AHA but not the ACP/AAFP guideline and both guidelines, respectively. Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease event rates (95% CI) for these groups were 18.2 (16.7-19.7) and 33.0 (30.5-35.4) per 1000 person-years, respectively. In conclusion, adults recommended initiation or intensification of antihypertensive medication by the ACC/AHA but not the ACP/AAFP guideline have high atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk that may be reduced through treatment initiation or intensification.Comprehensive examination of the multilevel adverse risk and protective factors for cardiovascular disease among hypertensive African Americans
AbstractSchoenthaler, A., Fei, K., Ramos, M. A., Richardson, L. D., Ogedegbe, G., & Horowitz, C. R. (n.d.).Publication year
2019Journal title
Journal of Clinical HypertensionVolume
21Issue
6Page(s)
794-803AbstractThis paper describes the multilevel factors that contribute to hypertension disparities in 2052 hypertensive African Americans (mean age 52.9 ± 9.9 years; 66.3% female) who participated in a clinical trial. At the family level, participants reported average levels of life chaos and high social support. However, at the individual level, participants exhibited several adverse clinical and behavioral factors including poor blood pressure control (45% of population), obesity (61%), medication non-adherence (48%), smoking (32%), physical inactivity (45%), and poor diet (71%). While participants rated their provider as trustworthy, they reported high levels of discrimination in the health care system. Finally, community-level data indicate that participants reside in areas characterized by poor socio-economic and neighborhood conditions (eg, segregation). In the context of our trial, hypertensive African Americans exhibited several adverse risks and protective factors at multiple levels of influence. Future research should evaluate the impact of these factors on cardiovascular outcomes using a longitudinal design.Developing a Tailored Website for Promoting Awareness about Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) Among Blacks in Community-Based Settings
AbstractRobbins, R., Senathirajah, Y., Williams, N. J., Hutchinson, C., Rapoport, D. M., Allegrante, J. P., Cohall, A., Rogers, A., Ogedegbe, O., & Jean-Louis, G. (n.d.).Publication year
2019Journal title
Health CommunicationVolume
34Issue
5Page(s)
567-575AbstractBlacks are at greater risk for lower sleep quality and higher risk for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) than other racial groups. In this study, we summarize the development of a tailored website including visuals, key messages, and video narratives, to promote awareness about sleep apnea among community-dwelling blacks. We utilized mixed methods, including in-depth interviews, usability-testing procedures, and brief surveys (n = 9, 55% female, 100% black, average age 38.5 years). Themes from the qualitative analysis illuminated varied knowledge regarding OSA symptoms and prevalent self-reported experience with sleep disturbance and OSA symptoms (e.g., snoring). On a scale from 1 (not at all) to 5 (very high), participants provided favorable ratings of website usefulness (mean = 4.9), user friendliness (mean = 4.9) and attractiveness (mean = 4.3). Our findings suggest although tailored health communication has potential for serving as a tool for advancing health equity, usability-testing of health materials is critical to ensure that culturally and linguistically tailored messages are acceptable and actionable in the intended population.Different Relationship between Systolic Blood Pressure and Cerebral Perfusion in Subjects with and without Hypertension
AbstractGlodzik, L., Rusinek, H., Tsui, W., Pirraglia, E., Kim, H. J., Deshpande, A., Li, Y., Storey, P., Randall, C., Chen, J., Osorio, R. S., Butler, T., Tanzi, E., McQuillan, M., Harvey, P., Williams, S. K., Ogedegbe, G., Babb, J. S., & De Leon, M. J. (n.d.).Publication year
2019Journal title
HypertensionVolume
73Issue
1Page(s)
197-205AbstractAlthough there is an increasing agreement that hypertension is associated with cerebrovascular compromise, relationships between blood pressure (BP) and cerebral blood flow are not fully understood. It is not known what BP level, and consequently what therapeutic goal, is optimal for brain perfusion. Moreover, there is limited data on how BP affects hippocampal perfusion, a structure critically involved in memory. We conducted a cross-sectional (n=445) and longitudinal (n=185) study of adults and elderly without dementia or clinically apparent stroke, who underwent clinical examination and brain perfusion assessment (age 69.2±7.5 years, 62% women, 45% hypertensive). Linear models were used to test baseline BP-blood flow relationship and to examine how changes in BP influence changes in perfusion. In the entire group, systolic BP (SBP) was negatively related to cortical (β=-0.13, P=0.005) and hippocampal blood flow (β=-0.12, P=0.01). Notably, this negative relationship was apparent already in subjects without hypertension. Hypertensive subjects showed a quadratic relationship between SBP and hippocampal blood flow (β=-1.55, P=0.03): Perfusion was the highest in subjects with mid-range SBP around 125 mm Hg. Longitudinally, in hypertensive subjects perfusion increased with increased SBP at low baseline SBP but increased with decreased SBP at high baseline SBP. Cortical and hippocampal perfusion decrease with increasing SBP across the entire BP spectrum. However, in hypertension, there seems to be a window of mid-range SBP which maximizes perfusion.Effect of Stroke Education Pamphlets vs a 12-Minute Culturally Tailored Stroke Film on Stroke Preparedness among Black and Hispanic Churchgoers: A Cluster Randomized Clinical Trial
AbstractWilliams, O., Teresi, J., Eimicke, J. P., Abel-Bey, A., Hassankhani, M., Valdez, L., Gomez Chan, L., Kong, J., Ramirez, M., Ravenell, J., Ogedegbe, G., & Noble, J. M. (n.d.).Publication year
2019Journal title
JAMA NeurologyVolume
76Issue
10Page(s)
1211-1218AbstractImportance: Black individuals and Hispanic individuals are less likely to recognize stroke and call 911 (stroke preparedness), contributing to racial/ethnic disparities in intravenous tissue plasminogen activator use. Objective: To evaluate the effect of culturally tailored 12-minute stroke films on stroke preparedness vs the usual care practice of distributing stroke education pamphlets. Design, Setting, and Participants: Cluster randomized clinical trial between July 26, 2013, and August 16, 2018, with randomization of 13 black and Hispanic churches located in urban neighborhoods to intervention or usual care. In total, 883 congregants were approached, 503 expressed interest, 375 completed eligibility screening, and 312 were randomized. Sixty-three individuals were ineligible (younger than 34 years and/or did not have at least 1 traditional stroke risk factor). Interventions: Two 12-minute stroke films on stroke preparedness for black and Hispanic audiences. Main Outcomes and Measures: The primary outcome was the Stroke Action Test (STAT), assessed at baseline, 6 months, and 12 months. Results: In total, 261 of 312 individuals completed the study (83.7% retention rate). Most participants were female (79.1%). The mean (SD) age of participants was 58.57 (11.66) years; 51.1% (n = 159) were non-Hispanic black, 48.9% (n = 152) were Hispanic, and 31.7% (n = 99) had low levels of education. There were no significant end-point differences for the STAT at follow-up periods. The mean (SD) baseline STAT scores were 59.05% (29.12%) correct for intervention and 58.35% (28.83%) correct for usual care. At 12 months, the mean (SD) STAT scores were 64.38% (26.39%) correct for intervention and 61.58% (28.01%) correct for usual care. Adjusted by education, a post hoc subgroup analysis revealed a mean (SE) intervention effect of 1.03% (0.44%) (P =.02) increase per month in the low-education subgroup (about a 10% increase in 12 months). In the high-education subgroup, the mean (SE) intervention effect was -0.05% (0.30%) (P =.86). Regarding percentage correct, the low-education intervention subgroup improved from 52.4% (7 of 21) to 66.7% (14 of 21) compared with the other subgroups. Conclusions and Relevance: No difference was observed in stroke preparedness at 12 months in response to culturally tailored 12-minute stroke films or conventional stroke education pamphlets. Additional studies are required to confirm findings from a post hoc subgroup analysis that suggested a significant education effect. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01909271.Feasibility of integrated, multilevel care for cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and HIV in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs): A scoping review
AbstractOjo, T., Lester, L., Iwelunmor, J., Gyamfi, J., Obiezu-Umeh, C., Onakomaiya, D., Aifah, A., Nagendra, S., Opeyemi, J., Oluwasanmi, M., Dalton, M., Nwaozuru, U., Vieira, D., Ogedegbe, G., & Boden-Albala, B. (n.d.).Publication year
2019Journal title
PloS oneVolume
14Issue
2AbstractBackground Integrated cardiovascular disease (CVD) and HIV (CVD-HIV) care interventions are being adopted to tackle the growing burden of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) in low-and middle-income countries (LMICs) but there is a paucity of studies on the feasibility of these interventions in LMICs. This scoping review aims to present evidence of the feasibility of integrated CVD-HIV care in LMICs, and the alignment of feasibility reporting in LMICs with the existing implementation science methodology. Methods A systematic search of published articles including systematic and narrative reviews that reported on integrated CVD-HIV care was conducted, using multiple search engines including PubMed/Medline, Global Health, and Web of Science. We examined the articles for evidence of feasibility reporting. Adopting the definition of Proctor and colleagues (2011), feasibility was defined as the extent to which an intervention was plausible in a given agency or setting. Evidence from the articles was synthesized by level of integration, the chronic care continuum, and stages of intervention development. Results Twenty studies, reported in 18 articles and 3 conferences abstracts, reported on feasibility of integrated CVD-HIV care interventions. These studies were conducted in Sub-Saharan Africa, Southeast Asia and South America. Four of these studies were conducted as feasibility studies. Eighty percent of the studies reported feasibility, using descriptive sentences that included words synonymous with feasibility terminologies in existing definition recommended by Proctor and colleagues. There was also an overlap in the use of descriptive phrases for feasibility amongst the selected studies. Conclusions Integrating CVD and HIV care is feasible in LMICs, although methodology for reporting feasibility is inconsistent. Assessing feasibility based on settings and integration goals will provide a unique perspective of the implementation landscape in LMICs. There is a need for consistency in measures in order to accurately assess the feasibility of integrated CVD-HIV care in LMICs.Implementation of clean cookstove interventions and its effects on blood pressure in low-income and middle-income countries: Systematic review
AbstractOnakomaiya, D., Gyamfi, J., Iwelunmor, J., Opeyemi, J., Oluwasanmi, M., Obiezu-Umeh, C., Dalton, M., Nwaozuru, U., Ojo, T., Vieira, D., Ogedegbe, G., & Olopade, C. (n.d.).Publication year
2019Journal title
BMJ openVolume
9Issue
5AbstractObjective A review of the implementation outcomes of clean cookstove use, and its effects on blood pressure (BP) in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs). Design Systematic review of studies that reported the effect of clean cookstove use on BP among women, and implementation science outcomes in LMICs. Data sources We searched PubMed, Embase, INSPEC, Scielo, Cochrane Library, Global Health and Web of Science PLUS. We conducted searches in November 2017 with a repeat in May 2018. We did not restrict article publication date. Eligibility criteria for selecting studies We included only studies conducted in LMICs, published in English, regardless of publication year and studies that examined the use of improved or clean cookstove intervention on BP. Two authors independently screened journal article titles, abstracts and full-Text articles to identify those that included the following search terms: high BP, hypertension and or household air pollution, LMICs, cookstove and implementation outcomes. Results Of the 461 non-duplicate articles identified, three randomised controlled trials (RCTs) (in Nigeria, Guatemala and Ghana) and two studies of pre-post design (in Bolivia and Nicaragua) met eligibility criteria. These articles evaluated the effect of cookstove use on BP in women. Two of the three RCTs reported a mean reduction in diastolic BP of-2.8 mm Hg (-5.0,-0.6; p=0.01) for the Nigerian study;-3.0 mm Hg; (-5.7,-0.4; p=0.02) for the Guatemalan study; while the study conducted in Ghana reported a non-significant change in BP. The pre-post studies reported a significant reduction in mean systolic BP of-5.5 mm Hg; (p=0.01) for the Bolivian study, and-5.9 mm Hg (-11.3,-0.4; p=0.05) for the Nicaraguan study. Implementation science outcomes were reported in all five studies (three reported feasibility, one reported adoption and one reported feasibility and adoption of cookstove interventions). Conclusion Although this review demonstrated that there is limited evidence on the implementation of clean cookstove use in LMICs, the effects of clean cookstove on BP were significant for both systolic and diastolic BP among women. Future studies should consider standardised reporting of implementation outcomes.Improving hypertension outcome measurement in low- and middle-income countries
AbstractZack, R., Okunade, O., Olson, E., Salt, M., Amodeo, C., Anchala, R., Berwanger, O., Campbell, N., Chia, Y. C., Damasceno, A., Phuong Do, T. N., Tamdja Dzudie, A., Fiuza, M., Mirza, F., Nitsch, D., Ogedegbe, G., Podpalov, V., Schiffrin, E. L., Vaz Carneiro, A., & Lamptey, P. (n.d.).Publication year
2019Journal title
HypertensionVolume
73Issue
5Page(s)
990-997AbstractHigh blood pressure is the leading modifiable risk factor for mortality, accounting for nearly 1 in 5 deaths worldwide and 1 in 11 in low-income countries. Hypertension control remains a challenge, especially in low-resource settings. One approach to improvement is the prioritization of patient-centered care. However, consensus on the outcomes that matter most to patients is lacking. We aimed to define a standard set of patient-centered outcomes for evaluating hypertension management in low- and middle-income countries. The International Consortium for Health Outcomes Measurement convened a Working Group of 18 experts and patients representing 15 countries. We used a modified Delphi process to reach consensus on a set of outcomes, case-mix variables, and a timeline to guide data collection. Literature reviews, patient interviews, a patient validation survey, and an open review by hypertension experts informed the set. The set contains 18 clinical and patient-reported outcomes that reflect patient priorities and evidence-based hypertension management and case-mix variables to allow comparisons between providers. The domains included are hypertension control, cardiovascular complications, health-related quality of life, financial burden of care, medication burden, satisfaction with care, health literacy, and health behaviors. We present a core list of outcomes for evaluating hypertension care. They account for the unique challenges healthcare providers and patients face in low- and middle-income countries, yet are relevant to all settings. We believe that it is a vital step toward international benchmarking in hypertension care and, ultimately, value-based hypertension management.Inappropriate Left Ventricular Mass and Cardiovascular Disease Events and Mortality in Blacks: The Jackson Heart Study
AbstractAnstey, D. E., Tanner, R. M., Booth, J. N., Bress, A. P., Diaz, K. M., Sims, M., Ogedegbe, G., Muntner, P., & Abdalla, M. (n.d.).Publication year
2019Journal title
Journal of the American Heart AssociationVolume
8Issue
16AbstractBackground: Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) is associated with an increased risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD) events and all-cause mortality. Many individuals without LVH have a left ventricular mass that exceeds the level predicted by their sex, body size, and cardiac workload, a condition called inappropriate left ventricular mass (iLVM). We investigated the association of iLVM with CVD events and all-cause mortality among blacks. Methods and Results: We analyzed data from the Jackson Heart Study, a community-based cohort of blacks. The current analysis included 4424 participants without CVD and with an echocardiogram at baseline. Among this cohort, the prevalence of iLVM was 13.8%. There were 262 CVD events and 419 deaths over a median follow-up of 9.7 years (maximum, 12 years). Compared with participants without iLVM, participants with iLVM had a higher rate of CVD events and all-cause mortality. After multivariable adjustment, including for the presence of LVH, iLVM was associated with an increased risk of CVD events (hazard ratio, 1.87; 95% CI, 1.33–2.62). The multivariable-adjusted hazard ratio for all-cause mortality was 1.29 (95% CI, 0.98–1.70). Among participants without and with LVH, the multivariable-adjusted hazard ratios of iLVM for CVD events were 2.53 (95% CI, 1.68–3.81) and 1.21 (95% CI, 0.74–2.00), respectively (Pinteraction=0.029); and for all-cause mortality, the hazard ratios were 1.24 (95% CI, 0.81–1.89) and 1.26 (95% CI, 0.86–1.85), respectively (Pinteraction=0.664). Conclusions: iLVM is associated with an increased risk for CVD events among blacks without LVH.Is the cardiovascular health of South Africans today comparable with African Americans 45 years ago?
AbstractBreet, Y., Lackland, D. T., Ovbiagele, B., Owolabi, M. O., Ogedegbe, G., Kruger, I. M., & Schutte, A. E. (n.d.).Publication year
2019Journal title
Journal of HypertensionVolume
37Issue
8Page(s)
1606-1614AbstractObjectives:Hypertension occurs frequently among black populations around the world. In the United States (US) health system, interventions since the 1960s resulted in improvements in hypertension awareness, management and control among African Americans. This is in stark contrast to current health systems in African countries. To objectively assess the current situation in South Africa, we compared the cardiovascular health status of African Americans from 1960 to 1980 to black South Africans from recent years, as there is potential to implement best practices from the US. We also reviewed the recent cardiovascular health changes of a South African population over 10 years.Methods:Men and women were included from three studies performed in the United States (Evans County Heart Study; Charleston Heart Study; NHANES I and II) and one in South Africa (PURE, North West Province). We compared blood pressure (BP), BMI, cholesterol, diabetes and smoking status.Results:Age-adjusted SBP and DBP of South African men were lower than US studies conducted from 1960 to 1971 (Evans County; Charleston; NHANES I; all P < 0.001) but similar to NHANES II (P = 0.987) conducted in 1976. South African women had lower SBP than all four of the US studies (all P < 0.001); their DBP was lower than Evans County and Charleston studies, but similar to NHANES I and II. Reviewing South African data, BMI increased steeply over 10 years in women (P < 0.001) but not men (P = 0.451).Conclusion:Blood pressure of South Africans is lower than African Americans from the 1960s, but comparable for 1970s to 1980s. With obesity of South African women rising sharply, escalating figures for hypertension and diabetes are anticipated.Measurement of blood pressure in humans: A scientific statement from the american heart association
AbstractMuntner, P., Shimbo, D., Carey, R. M., Charleston, J. B., Gaillard, T., Misra, S., Myers, M. G., Ogedegbe, G., Schwartz, J. E., Townsend, R. R., Urbina, E. M., Viera, A. J., White, W. B., & Wright, J. T. (n.d.).Publication year
2019Journal title
HypertensionVolume
73Issue
5Page(s)
E35-E66AbstractThe accurate measurement of blood pressure (BP) is essential for the diagnosis and management of hypertension. This article provides an updated American Heart Association scientific statement on BP measurement in humans. In the office setting, many oscillometric devices have been validated that allow accurate BP measurement while reducing human errors associated with the auscultatory approach. Fully automated oscillometric devices capable of taking multiple readings even without an observer being present may provide a more accurate measurement of BP than auscultation. Studies have shown substantial differences in BP when measured outside versus in the office setting. Ambulatory BP monitoring is considered the reference standard for out-of-office BP assessment, with home BP monitoring being an alternative when ambulatory BP monitoring is not available or tolerated. Compared with their counterparts with sustained normotension (ie, nonhypertensive BP levels in and outside the office setting), it is unclear whether adults with white-coat hypertension (ie, hypertensive BP levels in the office but not outside the office) have increased cardiovascular disease risk, whereas those with masked hypertension (ie, hypertensive BP levels outside the office but not in the office) are at substantially increased risk. In addition, high nighttime BP on ambulatory BP monitoring is associated with increased cardiovascular disease risk. Both oscillometric and auscultatory methods are considered acceptable for measuring BP in children and adolescents. Regardless of the method used to measure BP, initial and ongoing training of technicians and healthcare providers and the use of validated and calibrated devices are critical for obtaining accurate BP measurements.Partnerships to improve shared decision making for patients with hypertension-health equity implications
AbstractLangford, A. T., Williams, S. K., Applegate, M., Ogedegbe, O., & Braithwaite, R. S. (n.d.).Publication year
2019Journal title
Ethnicity and DiseaseVolume
29Page(s)
97-102AbstractShared decision making (SDM) has increasingly become appreciated as a method to enhance patient involvement in health care decisions, patient-provider communication, and patient-centered care. Compared with cancer, the literature on SDM for hypertension is more limited. This is notable because hypertension is the leading risk factor for cardiovascular disease and both conditions disproportionately affect certain subgroups of patients. However, SDM holds promise for improving health equity by better engaging patients in their health care. For example, many reasonable options exist for treating uncomplicated stage-1 hypertension. These options include medication and/ or lifestyle changes such as healthy eating, physical activity, and weight management. Deciding on "the best" plan of action for hypertension management can be challenging because patients have different goals and preferences for treatment. As hypertension management may be considered a preference-sensitive decision, adherence to treatment plans may be greater if those plans are concordant with patient preferences. SDM can be implemented in a broad array of care contexts, from patient-provider dyads to interprofessional collaborations. In this article, we argue that SDM has the potential to advance health equity and improve clinical care. We also propose a process to evaluate whether SDM has occurred and suggest future directions for research.Population-Attributable Risk for Cardiovascular Disease Associated with Hypertension in Black Adults
AbstractClark, D., Colantonio, L. D., Min, Y. I., Hall, M. E., Zhao, H., Mentz, R. J., Shimbo, D., Ogedegbe, G., Howard, G., Levitan, E. B., Jones, D. W., Correa, A., & Muntner, P. (n.d.).Publication year
2019Journal title
JAMA CardiologyVolume
4Issue
12Page(s)
1194-1202AbstractImportance: The prevalence of hypertension and the risk for hypertension-related cardiovascular disease (CVD) are high among black adults. The population-attributable risk (PAR) accounts for both prevalence and excess risk of disease associated with a risk factor. Objective: To examine the PAR for CVD associated with hypertension among black adults. Design, Setting, and Participants: This prospective cohort study used data on 12497 black participants older than 21 years without CVD at baseline who were enrolled in the Jackson Heart Study (JHS) from September 26, 2000, through March 31, 2004, and cardiovascular events were adjudicated through December 31, 2015. The Reasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) study participants were enrolled from July 1, 2003, through September 12, 2007, and cardiovascular events were adjudicated through March 31, 2016. Data analysis was performed from March 26, 2018, through July 10, 2019. Exposures: Normal blood pressure and hypertension were defined using the 2017 American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association blood pressure guideline thresholds. Main Outcomes and Measures: The PAR for CVD associated with hypertension, calculated using multivariable-adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) for CVD, coronary heart disease, heart failure, and stroke associated with hypertension vs normal blood pressure. Prevalence of hypertension among non-Hispanic black US adults 21 years and older without CVD was calculated using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2011-2014. Results: Of 12497 participants, 1935 had normal blood pressure (638 [33.0%] male; mean [SD] age, 53.5 [12.4] years), 929 had elevated blood pressure (382 [41.1%] male; mean [SD] age, 58.6 [11.8] years), and 9633 had hypertension (3492 [36.3%] male; mean [SD] age, 62.0 [10.3] years). For a maximum 14.3 years of follow-up, 1235 JHS and REGARDS study participants (9.9%) experienced a CVD event. The multivariable-adjusted HR associated with hypertension was 1.91 (95% CI, 1.48-2.46) for CVD, 2.41 (95% CI, 1.59-3.66) for coronary heart disease, 1.52 (95% CI, 1.01-2.30) for heart failure, and 2.20 (95% CI, 1.44-3.36) for stroke. The prevalence of hypertension was 53.2% among non-Hispanic black individuals. The PAR associated with hypertension was 32.5% (95% CI, 20.5%-43.6%) for CVD, 42.7% (95% CI, 24.0%-58.4%) for coronary heart disease, 21.6% (95% CI, 0.6%-40.8%) for heart failure, and 38.9% (95% CI, 19.4%-55.6%) for stroke. The PAR was higher among those younger than 60 years (54.6% [95% CI, 37.2%-68.7%]) compared with those 60 years or older (32.0% [95% CI, 11.9%-48.1%]). No differences were present in subgroup analyses. Conclusions and Relevance: These findings suggest that a substantial proportion of CVD cases among black individuals are associated with hypertension. Interventions to maintain normal blood pressure throughout the life course may reduce the incidence of CVD in this population.The Kathmandu Declaration on Global CVD/Hypertension Research and Implementation Science: A Framework to Advance Implementation Research for Cardiovascular and Other Noncommunicable Diseases in Low- and Middle-Income Countries
Aifah, A., Iwelunmor, J., Akwanalo, C., Allison, J., Amberbir, A., Asante, K. P., Baumann, A., Brown, A., Butler, M., Dalton, M., Davila-Roman, V., Fitzpatrick, A. L., Fort, M., Goldberg, R., Gondwe, A., Ha, D., He, J., Hosseinipour, M., Irazola, V., … Weber, M. B. (n.d.).Publication year
2019Journal title
Global HeartVolume
14Issue
2Page(s)
103-107‘I believe high blood pressure can kill me:’ using the PEN-3 Cultural Model to understand patients’ perceptions of an intervention to control hypertension in Ghana
AbstractBlackstone, S., Iwelunmor, J., Plange-Rhule, J., Gyamfi, J., Quakyi, N. K., Ntim, M., Addison, A., & Ogedegbe, G. (n.d.).Publication year
2019Journal title
Ethnicity and HealthVolume
24Issue
3Page(s)
257-270AbstractObjectives: Currently in Ghana, there is an on-going task-shifting strategy in which nurses are trained in hypertension management. While this study will provide useful information on the viability of this approach, it is not clear how patients in the intervention perceive hypertension, the task-shifting strategy, and its effects on blood pressure management. The objective of this paper is to examine patients’ perceptions of hypertension and hypertension management in the context of an on-going task-shifting intervention to manage blood pressure control in Ghana. Design: Forty-two patients participating in the Task Shifting Strategy for Hypertension program (23 males, 19 females, and mean age 61. 7 years) completed in-depth, qualitative interviews. Interviews were transcribed, and key words and phrases were extracted and coded using the PEN-3 Cultural Model as a guide through open and axial coding techniques, thus allowing rich exploration of the data. Results: Emergent themes included patients’ perceptions of hypertension, which encompassed misperceptions of hypertension and blood pressure control. Additional themes included enablers and barriers to hypertension management, and how the intervention nurtured lifestyle change associated with blood pressure control. Primary enabling factors included the supportive nature of TASSH nurses, while notable barriers were financial constraints and difficulty accessing medication. Nurturing factors included the motivational interviewing and patient counseling which instilled confidence in the patients that they could make lasting behavior changes. Conclusions: This study offers a unique perspective of blood pressure control by examining how patients view an on-going task-shifting initiative for hypertension management. The results of this study shed light on factors that can help and hinder individuals in low-resource settings with long-term blood pressure management.