Abstract P357: Hypertension At Rural Worksites - An Ongoing Problem

Introduction: The objective of this study is to determine the prevalence of undiagnosed or uncontrolled hypertension in participants through worksite-based health screening assessments in rural areas. It is estimated that, in rural communities, the prevalence of hypertension is 10% higher than urban areas. Through our SERVIRE Outreach Screening Program ( S topping E arly R eversible V ital organ damage I n R ural E astern North Carolina) we provide worksite-based health screenings for low-wage workers throughout eastern North Carolina. These screenings include assessment for hypertension and other associated comorbidities. Hypothesis: There are elevated rates of hypertension among those working in rural worksites in Eastern North Carolina. Methods: Rural worksites were identified for health screenings that included a series of questionnaires and biometrics. Screenings concluded with a one-on-one provider meeting to discuss attitudes about preventative care, screening results, and referrals as needed. Results: A total of 1132 individuals (45.2% Black) (56.2% male) participated in our ongoing screening clinics. Nearly seventy percent (68.1%) of participants reported seeing a healthcare professional within the previous year. Undiagnosed hypertension (SBP ≥140) was found in 259 (23.4%) participants and 185 (16.7%) participants had diagnosed but uncontrolled hypertension. Blood samples were obtained from 974 participants; elevated serum creatinine was found in 101 (9.6%) individuals. Conclusion: In conclusion, nearly half of the health screening participants had uncontrolled or undiagnosed hypertension. These high rates of hypertension were evident despite the majority of participants reporting having visited a healthcare provider within the previous year. Among screened patients, nearly one in ten had elevated serum creatinine, a marker of end organ damage. Future screenings will implement on site retinal exams as an additional tool to assess end organ damage. Our SERVIRE program provides convenient, worksite-based health screening to identify untreated hypertension among low-wage, rural workers in eastern North Carolina.