Heartbeat: A program to improve the early detection of high blood pressure in African American men

Background: Barbershops are social gathering places for African American men and thus represent a potentially ideal, community-based location through which to provide health screenings and increase awareness of hypertension. We investigated whether these screenings improved the early detection of high blood pressure, explored characteristics associated with elevated blood pressure readings, and examined the feasibility of this approach in Detroit. Methods: Participants were recruited from local barbershops following a brief health awareness presentation on hypertension. Blood pressures were measured by a trained medical assistant. The survey included measures of perceived health status, the Multidimensional Health Locus of Control Scale, the John-Henryism Active Coping Scale, and the Discriminatory Belief Scale. Differences between participants with and without a history of high blood pressure were examined using logistic regression. Three focus groups were also conducted with a sample of participants. Results: The screenings (N = 179) revealed a high prevalence of abnormal blood pressure (79.9%). The only psychosocial factor that was significantly associated with abnormal blood pressure readings was perceived racism. As perceived racism increased, so did blood pressure (OR 1.06, p = 0.032). Focus group data confirmed that African American men in Detroit experience varying degrees of racism. The program was well-received by participants and barbers, with everyone giving positive feedback. Conclusions: Hypertension screenings in barbershops are a well-received and effective method for detecting high blood pressure in African American men in Detroit. Additional research is needed to examine the association between perceived racism and its effects on health.