Hypertension in a Low-income and Homeless Community Sample

Huckabay L, Reynolds GL, Fishe

Abstract

Background: Uncontrolled hypertension is a problem among many sub-populations of U.S. adults. Objective: To investigate hypertension in a low-income community sample of adults with a high proportion reporting homelessness. Methods: Respondents (N = 478) completed a cardiovascular risk assessment (CVRA) with five subscales (social support, nutrition, physical activity, control and negative emotions) and the Risk Behavior Assessment (RBA) which collects demographic information as well as drug use and sexual risk behaviors. Results: Findings showed that homeless individuals, and those who are married, divorced, or separated as opposed to being single, African-Americans, and women are at high risk for hypertension. A mediational model was developed using hypertension as the main outcome and the nutrition subscale of the CVRA as the mediator for homeless individuals. Results indicate that good nutrition (higher scores on the nutrition subscale) act as a protective mediator against hypertension for those who are homeless. The total mediated effect of nutrition on hypertension for the homeless was significant. Conclusions: Improved nutrition may help prevent/reduce risk of hypertension among low income adults, especially those who are homeless.