Implementing Hypertension Management Interventions in Immigrant Communities in the U.S.: a Narrative Review of Recent Developments and Suggestions for Programmatic Efforts

Curr Hypertens Rep. 2021 Jan 22;23(1):5. doi: 10.1007/s11906-020-01121-6.

Abstract

Purpose of review: To outline intervention efforts focused on reducing hypertension disparities in immigrant communities in the U.S. and to identify areas in the design, implementation, and evaluation of these interventions that warrant further exploration guided by an implementation science framework.

Recent findings: Studies examined (n = 11) included immigrant populations of African, Hispanic, and Asian origin. Men were underrepresented in most studies. Culturally tailored group-based educational sessions in religious or community spaces were common. Intervention agents included research assistants, registered nurses, community health workers, and faith-based organization volunteers. Community stakeholders were engaged in most studies, although most commonly for recruitment efforts. Surveys/interviews were used for intervention evaluation, and documentation of intervention activities and trainings was used to assess fidelity. Identified pathways for further intervention innovation included gender or migration-status-based targeting, diversifying intervention agents, enhancing mixed-method process evaluations, and tailoring to emerging needs during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Keywords: COVID-19; Community-based participatory research; Hypertension; Immigrants; Implementation science; Intervention.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • COVID-19*
  • Emigrants and Immigrants*
  • Humans
  • Hypertension* / prevention & control
  • Male
  • Pandemics
  • SARS-CoV-2