In a randomized study, a barbershop-based intervention was associated with an improved rate of BP control in black men.
Rates of hypertension-related death in the U.S. are reportedly three times higher in black men than in white men. In a novel community-based study, investigators used black-owned barbershops — which characteristically engender strong customer loyalty and serve as a venue for health discussions — as the unit of cluster-randomization for an intervention to improve blood pressure (BP) control in black men.
Following training of staff and baseline BP measurement of clients, barbers at each of 17 randomized shops in the Dallas, Texas, area either distributed standardized pamphlets containing information about hypertension in blacks or checked BP, promoted physician follow-up, and provided tailored health messaging to their clients. At 10 months, …
Reviewing Author
DisclosuresConsultant/Advisory BoardBristol Myers Squibb; CPC Clinical Research
Grant/Research SupportNational Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
Editorial BoardsUpToDate; American College of Cardiology Self-Assessment Program (SAP)
Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesAmerican College of Cardiology (Chair, Innovations Committee)
DisclosuresConsultant/Advisory BoardBristol Myers Squibb; CPC Clinical Research
Grant/Research SupportNational Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
Editorial BoardsUpToDate; American College of Cardiology Self-Assessment Program (SAP)
Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesAmerican College of Cardiology (Chair, Innovations Committee)