Racial Disparities in Blood Pressure Control in North Carolina Medicaid Patients
Author Information
Author(s): Downie Diane, Schmid Dorothee, Plescia Marcus G., Bostrom Susan, Yow Angie, Lawrence William W. Jr, Huston Sara L., DuBard C. Annette
Primary Institution: North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services
Hypothesis
Are there racial disparities in blood pressure control and treatment among Medicaid recipients in North Carolina?
Conclusion
Blacks were less likely than whites to have their blood pressure controlled, despite receiving more frequent interventions.
Supporting Evidence
- 43.6% of black patients had their blood pressure at goal compared to 50.9% of white patients.
- Blacks were more likely to be prescribed 4 or more antihypertensive drug classes.
- 46.7% of blacks had their medication adjusted compared to 40.4% of whites.
Takeaway
This study found that black patients with high blood pressure in North Carolina are not getting their blood pressure under control as well as white patients, even though they are getting more treatment.
Methodology
The study reviewed medical records of 2,078 black and 1,436 white Medicaid recipients with high blood pressure managed in primary care from July 2005 to June 2006.
Potential Biases
Potential biases include reliance on medical record documentation and exclusion of patients with more complicated conditions.
Limitations
The study may not be generalizable to other populations and relied on the accuracy of medical records.
Participant Demographics
The sample included 2,078 black and 1,436 white Medicaid recipients, with a higher proportion of black participants being women.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p = .001
Confidence Interval
95% CI, 0.61-0.93
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
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