Date of Award

Fall 11-16-2025

Degree Type

Campus Access Capstone

Degree Name

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

Department

Nursing

First Advisor

Jessica Bardina

Keywords

Hypertension, Black Communities, Greater Boston, Health Disparities, Social Determinants of Health, Community-Based Interventions, Health Policy, Health Equity

Subject Categories

Community Health and Preventive Medicine

Abstract

Hypertension presents a significant public health challenge within Black communities in Greater Boston, with notable disparities in prevalence and outcomes compared to other groups. Data indicates that Black adults in Boston report a hypertension diagnosis at nearly double the rate of white residents, leading to higher rates of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, including heart disease hospitalizations. These inequities are primarily driven by adverse social determinants of health (SDoH), such as limited access to healthcare, nutritious food, and safe physical activity environments, rather than genetic factors alone.

Addressing this requires multi-level interventions. Clinic-based strategies, including team-based care and evidence-based treatment algorithms, must be integrated with community-based approaches like faith-based interventions including black churches, barbershop screening programs, the GOFRESH healthy food initiative, and community health worker engagement. Policy recommendations include targeted funding for community health centers and urban planning changes to address food deserts and enhance safe environments for physical activity. Despite these efforts, research gaps remain, particularly regarding the long-term sustainability and cost-effectiveness of community programs and the impact of acculturation on hypertension risk in diverse Black populations. A comprehensive, integrated approach addressing these systemic inequalities is crucial for achieving health equity in hypertension management.

Comments

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