title: Race and Sex Differences in Correlates of Systolic Blood Pressure in Community-Dwelling Older Adults.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To describe correlates of measured systolic blood pressure (SBP) among community-dwelling older African American and White Medicare beneficiaries.
  
  
  METHODS
  Participants completed an in-home assessment and factors significantly correlated with SBP were tested using multivariable models.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Among the 958 participants (mean age= 75.3 [SD = 6.8]; 49% African American; 49% female; 52% rural) African Americans were more often diagnosed with hypertension, more likely on anti-hypertensives, and on more anti-hypertensive medications. SBP was 2.7 mmHg higher in African Americans than Whites (p=.03). SBP was higher in women than men. Multivariable models revealed differences in the factors associated with SBP by race/sex specific groups. Having a history of smoking and reports of being relaxed and free of tension were associated with higher SBP among African American men.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Although more likely prescribed anti-hypertensives, mean SBP was higher for older African Americans than Whites. Results support the hypothesis that behavioral and psychosocial factors are more important correlates of SBP levels among older African Americans than among Whites.
authors.affiliation: The University of Alabama.
authors.forename: Cassandra D
authors.initials: CD
authors.lastname: Ford
authors.affiliation: University of Alabama at Birmingham.
authors.forename: Patricia
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Sawyer
authors.affiliation: The University of Alabama.
authors.forename: Patricia
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Parmelee
authors.affiliation: University of Alabama at Birmingham.
authors.forename: Olivio J
authors.initials: OJ
authors.lastname: Clay
authors.affiliation: The University of Alabama.
authors.forename: Martha
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Crowther
authors.affiliation: Geriatrics and Extended Care Services at Department of Veterans Affairs.
authors.forename: Richard M
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Allman
keywords: African-Americans; blood pressure; older adults; race/ethnicity