Graduation Semester and Year
Summer 2026
Language
English
Document Type
DNP Project
Degree Name
Doctor of Nursing Practice
Department
Nursing
First Advisor
Kristine Cope
Abstract
Background
African Americans face a significantly higher prevalence of hypertension, tend to develop complications at younger ages, and have disproportionately higher mortality rates. Key social determinants of health (SDoH)—including food deserts, unequal access to healthcare, and geographic disparities in healthcare resources—contribute to these ongoing inequities. Addressing both systemic and individual barriers is crucial for effective hypertension management.
Objective
This study aims to assess the effectiveness of a culturally relevant, community-based intervention designed to reduce both systolic and diastolic blood pressure among Black adults with uncontrolled hypertension.
Methods
Quality improvement (QI) initiatives typically employ multicomponent, equity-focused models. The primary components of the intervention included:
- Providing home blood pressure monitors and support for self-management.
- Integrating clinical pharmacists within a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC).
- Offering education on the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet along with other healthy lifestyle changes.
- Customizing pharmacological treatments.
Results
After eight weeks, two Paired-Samples t-Tests were conducted to compare pre- and post-intervention systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) within the intervention group. Statistically (significant) differences were observed for both measures: t(21)=4.777, p< .001 for SBP and t(21)=3.253, p=.002 for DBP. Additionally, 64% of participants reached blood pressure targets of 130/80 mmHg or lower. Qualitative feedback indicated improved medication adherence and enhanced health literacy regarding lifestyle changes for blood pressure management.
Conclusion
Culturally tailored, community-integrated strategies that use digital health technologies are effective in managing hypertension. Expanding the implementation of these equity-centered approaches could significantly help reduce racial disparities in controlling hypertension.
Keywords
African Americans, Blacks, Underserved, Hypertension, Management
Disciplines
Cardiovascular Diseases | Community Health and Preventive Medicine | Family Practice Nursing | Public Health and Community Nursing | Quality Improvement | Rural Health
License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Recommended Citation
Richardson, Ashley, "Clinical Challenges Associated with Enhancing Hypertension Among the Underserved African American Population" (2026). Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Scholarly Projects. 21.
https://mavmatrix.uta.edu/nursing_dnpprojects2/21
Included in
Cardiovascular Diseases Commons, Community Health and Preventive Medicine Commons, Family Practice Nursing Commons, Public Health and Community Nursing Commons, Quality Improvement Commons, Rural Health Commons
Comments
First and foremost, I would like to thank God for making all things possible, my family for supporting me through this DNP journey, and my faculty advisor for guiding me through this DNP journey.