Prevalence of Hypertension Among Low-Income Individuals in Muscogee County Columbus, Georgia

<p>This study investigates the prevalence and predictors of elevated blood pressure (BP) among 409 low-income adults in Muscogee County, Columbus, Georgia—a population disproportionately burdened by hypertension. The findings reveal that elevated BP is significantly more prevalent among African Americans (71.4%) compared to non-African Americans (27.1%), highlighting the role of racial disparities influenced by systemic inequities, healthcare access, and chronic stress. Gender differences were modest, with females exhibiting a slightly higher prevalence (77.9%) than males (76.7%), potentially due to age-related hormonal changes post-menopause. Older adults (50+ years) represented most of the sample and showed significantly higher hypertension rates, consistent with established links between aging and vascular health.</p> <p>Additionally, a strong correlation was found between family history and elevated BP, suggesting a combined effect of genetic and environmental influences. Logistic regression analysis identified a prior hypertension diagnosis as a significant predictor of elevated BP (p < 0.05), while age, gender, and family history were not statistically significant. These findings emphasize the multifaceted nature of hypertension and underscore the need for culturally sensitive, community-based interventions that address social determinants, early detection, and long-term management strategies to mitigate hypertension in vulnerable populations.</p>

Name thesis:degree_name

Health Science

Level thesis:degree_level

Thesis

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Kinesiology and Health Sciences

Year

2025

Author dc:creator

• Fallah, Amelia K.

Contributors dc:contributor

• Dr. Patricia Anafi
• Dr. Rebecca Toland

• Elevated Blood Pressure
• African Americans
• Non-African Americans
• Females
• Males
• Columbus Georgia
• Muscogee County
• Cardiology
• Public Health

Language dc:language

English

Repository record dc:identifier

https://csuepress.columbusstate.edu/theses_dissertations/745

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:csuepress.columbusstate.edu:theses_dissertations-1724