Clinical outcomes for low-income adults with hypertension and diabetes.
BACKGROUND
Long-term management of hypertension and diabetes, which are more prevalent in minority and socioeconomically disadvantaged populations, presents challenges for healthcare providers in community health centers.


OBJECTIVE
The purpose of the study was twofold: to examine health outcomes for persons with hypertension and diabetes and to compare these outcomes for disparities in patients who were Black, Hispanic, or White.


METHODS
Medical records (N = 280) from an urban community health center that serves predominantly uninsured adults were reviewed for selected clinical outcomes of primary care. Measures included outcomes of hypertension and diabetes control, lifestyle behaviors, preventive care, and patient status. Chi-square tests, t tests, and one-way analysis of covariance were used to analyze racial/ethnic group differences.


RESULTS
Data revealed significant differences in smoking status, influenza immunization, and blood pressure. Racial/ethnic group differences were minimal compared with the overall high prevalence of risk factors such as smoking and obesity. Regular access to primary care did not result in improved clinical outcomes.


CONCLUSIONS
The findings support the need for more effective interventions that promote healthy lifestyle if health disparities in low-income populations with chronic conditions are to be reduced.
Baumann
Linda Ciofu
LC
Academic Nursing Practice, University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Nursing, 53792-2455, USA. ljbauman@facstaff.wisc.edu
Chang
Mei-Wei
MW
Hoebeke
Roberta
R
D000328:Adult; D001741:Black or African American / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D044383:Black People; D003153:Community Health Services / Q000592:standards / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D003920:Diabetes Mellitus / Q000208:ethnology*; D003925:Diabetic Angiopathies / Q000208:ethnology*; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior / Q000208:ethnology; D006630:Hispanic or Latino / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000208:ethnology*; D008297:Male; D017057:Medically Uninsured / Q000208:ethnology; D008875:Middle Aged; D010043:Outcome and Process Assessment, Health Care; D011203:Poverty / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011314:Preventive Health Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology; D019037:Urban Health Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D044465:White People / Q000706:statistics & numerical data