BACKGROUND
For many adults living with hypertension, uncontrolled blood pressure (BP) leads to many adverse cardiovascular disease (CVD) events such as stroke, ischemic heart disease, chronic kidney failure, and other vascular diseases. Consistent adherence to prescribed hypertension treatment regimens is an important goal for persons living with hypertension, yet it remains a challenge for minority and underserved populations. Employing technology-based intervention (TBI) to support self-managing hypertension presents an opportunity to effectively control BP, and potentially have long-term effects on health outcomes.
OBJECTIVE
The objective of this study is to test the efficacy of a TBI, OPtimizing Technology to Improve Medication Adherence and BP Control (OPTIMA-BP), as an approach to support hypertension self-management to improve BP, health-related quality of life (HRQOL), and long-term compliance in African Americans with hypertension.
METHODS
This prospective, 2-arm randomized trial conducted in the Midwest will enroll African American older adults with hypertension, 50 years of age and older, recruited from primary clinics and community settings. Participants are allocated in a 1:1 ratio using computer-generated randomization to OPTIMA-BP intervention (n = 104) or Waitlist control group (n = 104). Participants are asked to participate in the study over a 12-month period and complete 5 study visits (baseline and follow-up at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months). Individuals in the OPTIMA-BP intervention group will receive three technology components (web-based education, medication adherence mHealth app, study provided home BP monitor), couple with nurse counselling and communication to providers for guideline-directed treatment regimen. We will also collect data on knowledge-attitude mechanisms of self-management (hypertension knowledge, self-efficacy, perceived social support) and proximal behavioral mechanisms (antihypertension medication-taking, diet, exercise). Qualitative analyses will explore participants' experiences with self-managing hypertension using technology.
RESULTS
Participant recruitment began in March 2022, and is currently ongoing. It is anticipated that preliminary findings appropriate for analysis will be disseminated Summer 2024. The primary endpoint is a change in systolic and diastolic BP (<130/80 mm Hg) and improved HRQOL.
CONCLUSIONS
Using TBI along with standard preventive measures provides a unique opportunity to improve BP control and enhance secondary CVD prevention in this high-risk group. By examining the mechanism by which the OPTIMA-BP intervention exerts its effect on self-managing hypertension, our study will advance both behavioral and self-management science.
CLINICALTRIAL
ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05564728; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05564728