Partnering With Schools for Community-Based Health Interventions: How Educating Children Improves Hypertension Awareness.

Background: More than 16,000 Virginians die of cardiovascular disease each year, with increased morbidity among Black and low-income adults. Hypertension (HTN) is the most modifiable cardiovascular disease risk factor. A community-based health intervention administered in partnership with schools may increase HTN awareness and reduce the development of unhealthy practices.

Methods: Elementary school students (n=52) attending a majority Black and low-income school participated in an educational intervention program called Teach BP that is designed to increase HTN awareness across 4 topics: knowledge of blood pressure (BP) and HTN, organ systems impacted by HTN, habits to maintain a healthy BP, and competency in operating a BP monitor.

Results: Students' ability to define and recognize HTN increased by an average of 62.7%. Their awareness of how HTN affects the body increased by an average of 92.1%. Additionally, students demonstrated competency in operating a BP monitor.

Conclusion: The Teach BP program was effective at increasing students' awareness of HTN.