Journal of Clinical and Translational Science (Apr 2022)

290 Implementing a Multi-Component Intervention to Reduce Hypertension Through DASH Diet Congregate Meals and Self-Measured BP (SMBP) at Two NYC Senior Centers

  • Rhonda Kost,
  • Dozene Guishard,
  • Moufdi Naji,
  • William Pagano,
  • Chamanara Khalida,
  • Andrea Ronning,
  • Clewert Sylvester,
  • Adam Qureshi,
  • Jonathan N. Tobin,
  • Rhonda G. Kost

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1017/cts.2022.160
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 6
pp. 50 – 51

Abstract

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OBJECTIVES/GOALS: To test whether implementing DASH-aligned meals in a congregate meal program, combined with Self-Measured Blood Pressure (SMBP) monitoring, lowers systolic blood pressure in community-living seniors at two senior centers. Secondary Aims included cognitive and behavioral change, and attention to client preferences. METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: The Carter Burden Network (CBN) provides services and congregate meals to older adults in NYC, many with low income, and unmet health needs. Eligible participants at two CBN sites, aged 60 or older and consuming >4 congregate meals/week, were recruited. After baseline assessments, participants received DASH-aligned meals onsite, education on nutrition and BP management, and personal devices and support for self-measured blood pressure (SMBP) monitoring. Primary outcome data (BP measured by health professional) was collected at Month 1, with secondary assessments at Months 3 and 6. Staff downloaded SMBP data regularly. Study surveys tracked cognitive and behavioral changes. Qualitative feedback from a project Advisory Committee, participants and study partners was collected throughout implementation. RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: 97 Participants enrolled (49% White, 32% Black, 19% Other races; mean age 73). At Baseline, 67% were overweight/obese; 80% were hypertensive (32% Stage I; 48% Stage 2). Primary outcome: Mean change in systolic BP at Month 1 compared to Baseline, was -4.41 mmHg (n= 61; p=0.07). By multiple regression analysis, change in BP at Month 1 was associated with BMI, age, and baseline blood pressure (p= .02, .04, .00, respectively). SMBP: Mean change in systolic SMBP by End-of-Study was -6.9 mmHg (p=.003). 56% participants completed SMBP through Month 1 and 30% to End-of-Study. Mean frequency of > 1 SMBP measure/day was 3 days/week. Women (n= 22, 88%) and Black participants (n= 15, 60%) were more likely to continue taking their home blood pressure measurements to End-of-Study (p=.002, p=.037, respectively). DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE: This study provides the first data to support the potential of DASH as part of an effective community-implemented program for seniors and demonstrates the feasibility of implementing a multi-component intervention using existing congregate meal programs at senior centers that can reach minority and low-income communities.