Addressing the Social Context of Hypertension Management among African Americans using Photovoice methodology

African Americans have a much higher age adjusted prevalence of hypertension compared to whites. In this study, we explore the social determinants that act as a barrier to the hypertension management among low income inner city African American patients. We used a research methodology known as photovoice to capture the challenges experienced by those with uncontrolled hypertension. Forty patients with poorly controlled hypertension were randomly selected from three community clinics. Patients attended picture taking training sessions which helped them to critically reflect on their environment and use this to take pictures. Based on these pictures, we developed the themes that identified the multiple and varied factors that influence the patient's ability to control their hypertension effectively. Furthermore, we developed a community advisory team consisting of community residents and other community stakeholders to guide the research. In this presentation, we will discuss the challenges associated with the photovoice assignment. More importantly, we will discuss the feasibility and rewards of utilizing this particular method, photovoice, to capture important and visually powerful themes related to hypertension control. This project not only highlighted the significance of hypertension control to the participants but it also served to educate and inform others about the challenges associated with hypertension control in the African American community.