Article in press
-
2019, October
original research
The Relationship between Socioeconomic Status and Adherence to Antihypertensive Treatment Regimen in a Metropolitan Community Sample of Hypertensive African Americans in New York
Provisional PDF
405.92 KB
Full-Text (HTML)
Abstract [+]
Introduction
Low socioeconomic status (SES) is one of the strongest predictors of morbidity and premature mortality worldwide, as well being associated with large increases in cardiovascular disease in both men and women. Uncontrolled hypertension contributes to cardiovascular disparity. Non-adherence to antihypertensive regimens worsens the cardiovascular burden and further widens the health disparity gap. A hierarchical multiple regression study of multiple factors impacting adherence among urban residents in a New York metropolitan region found socioeconomic factors as the strongest factors impacting adherence in this cardiovascular high-risk population..
Methods
Secondary analysis of data of a cross-sectional, correlation design study of a dissertation study, with each of the SES variables analyzed against adherence and self-efficacy variables.
Results
Overall, only three SES variables (years with the same provider, work status and income) were significantly related to adherence and/or self-efficacy. Years with the same provider was related to adherence with correlation of rs=0.16 (p=0.048), and to self-efficacy rs=2.0 (p=0.016). Work status was related to adherence with difference in adherence scores between retired and unemployed subjects (KS=38.6, p=0.013 with Bonferroni adjustment; means=3.7 and 3.3, respectively). Work status was not related to selfefficacy scores. Income level was significantly related to the self-efficacy scores, but not the adherence scores. Difference noted between earners<$10,000/year and >$80,000/year (KS=-44.2, p=0.037, with Bonferroni adjustment; means=3.06 and 3.51, respectively).
Discussion
Low socioeconomic status and non-adherence to antihypertensive regimens remain important factors which worsen cardiovascular health and widen health disparity health gaps. This is evident among the cardiovascular high-risk persons of African descent including those residing in the New York metropolitan regions. Self-efficacy is implicated as a mediating variable between income and adherence. The inverse relationship between fulltime work status and adherence was no longer noted. Further investigation on the associations between income, full time status and adherence among young, hypertensive Blacks/African Americans; as well as self-efficacy mediating effects on income and adherence is recommended.
Keywords
Socioeconomic status or poverty or low income; Adherence or compliance; Hypertension treatment or hypertension therapy; Blacks or African Americans.
-
2019, October
mini review
Therapeutic Modalities: Best Practices to Protecting Patients from Harm During Treatment
Provisional PDF
310.99 KB
Full-Text (HTML)
Abstract [+]
Healthcare providers and clinicians such as athletic trainers and physical therapists utilize therapeutic modalities to administer treatment to patients in the clinical setting. It is the responsibility of these healthcare providers to ensure the safe use of therapeutic modalities during treatment sessions, as well as effective delivery of treatment. Thermal-heat, ultrasound, cryotherapy and electrostimulation treatments have the potential for causing harm to patients. Proper care and maintenance of modalities can minimize the risk to patients and avoid legal issues for physical therapists and athletic trainers. This article will explore some of the legal issues, case studies and reports as well as providing information on what healthcare providers can do to protect patients.
Keywords
Risk management; Negligence; Malpractice; Best practices; Injury prevention; Athletic Trainer; Physical Therapists; Accreditation.
-
2019, November
commentary
Mankind, Disease and Technology: A Cat, Mouse and Fiddle Game
Provisional PDF
218.92 KB
Full-Text (HTML)
Current Issue
-
2019, January
original research
A Mixed Methods Evaluation of a Pilot Resilience Training Course on Stress Management
-
2019, February
case study
The Principles of Good Health Care in the U.S. in the 2020s
-
2019, May
original research
Risk Behaviors for Proactive Health Promotion
-
2019, May
original research
Epidemiological Profile of Hypertension, and Its Determinants Amongst Adult Patients in Cameroon: A Hospital-Based Study
-
2019, May
brief report
U.S. Veteran Population Projections, 2015 through 2040: Implications for Health Planning and Monitoring Population Health Outcomes
-
2019, May
original research
Lifestyle Pattern and Bone Mineral Density: A Preliminary Study
Previous Issue
-
2018, April
editorial
Our Interconnection through Mobility Facilitates the Spread of Infectious Pathogens
PDF
527.53 KB
Full-Text (HTML)
2018, April
original research
Identifying Children Potentially at Risk of Abuse at the Emergency Setting: A Qualitative Study on Healthcare Professionals
PDF
595.83 KB
Full-Text (HTML)
2018, December
original research
Patients’ Satisfaction with the Quality of Provided Services for Management of Hypertension in Public Primary Health Care Facilities, Sharg-Alneel Locality, Khartoum State, Sudan
PDF
439.91 KB
Full-Text (HTML)
2018, December
original research
Burnout and Resilience in Psychiatric Hospital Care-givers: A Cross-Sectional Study Using Mediation and Path Analyses
PDF
441.16 KB
Full-Text (HTML)
Editor-in-Chief

Małgorzata Schlegel-Zawadzka, PhD
Vice-Dean Jagiellonian University Medical College Swietej Anny 12 31-008 Krakow, Poland
Associate Editors

Elfatih Mohamed Malik Mohamed, MD
Director General Planning and International Health Directorate Federal Ministry of Health Nile St, Khartoum, Sudan

Helena Maltezou, MD, PhD
Pediatrician- Infectious Diseases Specialist Head, Department for Interventions in Health Care Facilities Hellenic Center for Disease Control and Prevention Αγράφων 3-5, Athens 151 23, Greece