Original Research
Sunday, October 13, 2024
12:45 PM–02:15 PM
Abstract
Introduction: Hypertension (HTN) control is lower in marginalized populations, with limited data available in refugee, immigrant and Arab populations.
Research Question or Hypothesis: Differences exist in HTN prevalence, management, and control in refugees, immigrants, Black and Arabs.
Study Design: A retrospective chart review within five clinics across a federally qualified health center.
Methods: Electronic medical records were reviewed from 2020-2023 for adult patients with an ICD 10 HTN diagnosis who self-identified as a refugee, immigrant, Black or Arab. Data collection included: blood pressure (BP) throughout the study period, HTN medications, and comorbidities. Socio-demographic values included: age, sex, race/ethnicity, country of origin, language/interpreter, insurance, and income. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze categorical data and binominal linear regression was used to assess factors influencing BP control.
Results: A total of 236 patients were included (mean age of 54 years). The study population included Black (58%), refugee (31%), immigrant (29%), and Arab (5%) patients. Disease states included stage-2 HTN (55%), obesity (45%), type-2 diabetes (38%), and hyperlipidemia (35%). Socio-demographically, the most common income range reported was = $20,000 (28%) and most patients used Medicaid (78%). The patients originated from the US (23%), Burma/Myanmar (6%), Bangladesh (6%), Somalia (4%) and Iraq (4%), and spoke English (63%), Burmese (11%), Nepali (7%), Arabic (6%) and Bengali (6%). Overall, systolic BP was controlled in 36% of patients, with the highest rates of control among Arabs (64%). The systolic BP of Blacks was less likely to be controlled than the study population (p<0.05). Systolic BP was less likely to be at goal if patients were English-speaking (OR 0.31, 95% CI 0.11-0.87), used a calcium channel blocker (OR 0.37, 95% CI 0.18-0.74), or used a diuretic (OR 0.40, 95% CI 0.19-0.85).
Conclusion: This study demonstrated that rates of HTN control were different between the populations reviewed. These results highlight important socio-demographic and pharmacotherapeutic considerations in achieving BP control.
Presenting Author
Yael Marks BS, PharmDUniversity at Buffalo
Authors
Christ Ange Cellino PharmD, MBA
University at Buffalo School of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences
Raymond Cha BS Pharmacy, PharmD
University at Buffalo
Desiree Herman PharmD Student
University at Buffalo School of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences
Gina M. Prescott PharmD, BCPS, FCCP
University at Buffalo
Alice Shao PharmD Student
University at Buffalo School of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences
Joel Zachariah PharmD Student
University at Buffalo School of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences