Primary Submission Category: Place/Communities
Evaluating a Hypertension Screening Event Conducted by a Health System in Partnership with a Hispanic Community Organization in Luzerne County, PA
Authors: Thomas Morland, Deborah Mills, Thomas Morland, Rossanna Gabriel, Kathryn Hall, Michael Kovalick, Dona Tenedios, George Ruiz, H. Lester Kirchner, Annemarie Hirsch,
Presenting Author: Adwait Chafale*
Background: Hypertension affects nearly half of U.S. adults, costing an estimated $131 billion annually. Hispanic populations have similar prevalence to the general population but lower control. Targeted interventions leveraging community partnerships could mitigate this problem.
Objective: This study evaluated a hypertension screening event in Luzerne County, PA tied to a monthly community dinner, aiming to increase hypertension awareness, identify uncontrolled hypertension, address social determinants of health, and link patients to a federally-qualified health center look-alike (FQHC).
Methods: A hypertension screening event was conducted at the community dinner, with patients offered education and FQHC appointments. Staffing included 22 FQHC employees, 7 community organization members, and the research team. The event was advertised on local Spanish-language radio and publications. The menu included low-sodium options, developed in consultation with the FQHC dietician. Bilingual screening and materials were available. A mixed-methods evaluation was conducted using the RE-AIM framework. Quantitative measures included demographics, blood pressure, primary care status, and scheduling status with the FQHC. Qualitative interviews were conducted.
Results: Among 145 individuals screened, 140 completed the survey. 72 participants (51%) reported age >50, 102 (73%) reported female sex, 54 (39%) did not have primary care, 58 (41%) had diagnoses of hypertension at baseline. 59 participants (42%) had blood pressure in the hypertensive range, including 24 (17%) who had never been diagnosed with hypertension. 26 individuals scheduled with the FQHC. Surveys showed high acceptability, though participants requested more interpreters and expanded screenings (e.g., diabetes).
Conclusion: The event engaged the Hispanic community, identified undiagnosed hypertension, and connected participants to care. Similar efforts could advance chronic disease management in underserved populations.