Controlling Hypertension Among Young Black Men in America: A Prescription Medication Alternative

Controlling Hypertension Among Young Black Men in America: A Prescription Medication Alternative by Winston Charles MA, University of Phoenix, 2007 BS, Northern Caribbean University, 1991 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Public Health/Epidemiology Walden University February 2019 Abstract Despite the evident improvements in the awareness of hypertension among the adult population in the United States, disparities remain in the burden of the disease, its treatment efficacy, and its control when data are compared along age, gender, and race. The purpose of this study was to determine the strength of the relationship between blood pressure control and prescription medication and lifestyle modification (smokingDespite the evident improvements in the awareness of hypertension among the adult population in the United States, disparities remain in the burden of the disease, its treatment efficacy, and its control when data are compared along age, gender, and race. The purpose of this study was to determine the strength of the relationship between blood pressure control and prescription medication and lifestyle modification (smoking cessation, changes in eating habits, and weight loss). The target population were adult young Black men, and the control variables were age, low socioeconomic status (SES), and disparities in health care. A convenience sample of Black men (age 16-45 years) was obtained (N = 297) from the 2013-2014 NHANES dataset, and bivariate and multiple regressions were conducted after the assumptions were satisfied. The results indicated a statistically significant relationship between prescription medication and systolic blood pressure control (B = -4.327, p = 0.009). The findings of the study can promote social change by highlighting that medication compliance must be encouraged and adhered to by members of this high-risk group. However, further research is suggested to explore the efficacy of lifestyle modification closely to determine if this is a viable treatment option for young Black men of low SES in the United States. Controlling Hypertension Among Young Black Men in America: A Prescription Medication Alternative by Winston Charles MA, University of Phoenix, 2007 BS, Northern Caribbean University, 1991 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Public Health/Epidemiology Walden University February 2019 Dedication It is with a heart full of thanksgiving that I dedicate this project to God who gave me the strength and endurance to complete this journey, my wife Marva S. MarshallCharles (my biggest fan), and my two sons Gilles Cavel, and Okafa Cheˊ, whose lives I am privileged to influence during my tenure here on earth. When I embarked upon this journey, I had no idea of the degree of difficulty that I would encounter but having my family support and understanding made a world of difference as evidence in the outcome. I thank God for such a wonderful family and I dedicate my best efforts to them. Acknowledgments I would like to extend special thanks to my mentor, leader, and guide Dr. Vasileios Margaritis, for his untiring efforts of leadership and friendship during this journey and for his patience and loyalty to this cause. Also, special thanks to Dr. Kate Callahan-Myrick for her strong and objective statistical perspective and advice that added rigor to this investigation, and Dr. Shingariai Feresu whose recommendations aided in setting the right course and a strategic perspective for this study. I appreciate the input of the entire team and extend my heart-felt thanks for supporting me to the finish.