Medical Student Research Fellowship for Summer 2007

Mentor: Ronald G. Victor, M.D.
Department: Internal Medicine, Division of Hypertension
Room number: J4.134
Mail Code: 8586
Phone number: 87950
E-mail: Ronald.victor@utsouthwestern.edu
Project title: Barber-based intervention for hypertension in black men

Human subjects IRB approved project number (where applicable): 102004-011

Animal subjects IRB approved project number (where applicable):

Project Type (patient-based research, animal-based research, or basic research; this characterization is only to permit a general classification for grouping similar types of projects) - Basic Research

Brief Description of Project:

Aims (as actually funded):
To improve hypertension detection, treatment, and control in non-Hispanic Black men, we propose a theory-based intervention conducted by barbers, influential peers who will continually monitor their customers' BP, deliver health messages designed to change risk perception and social norms about healthcare utilization, and provide social support for desired changes in healthcare-seeking behavior and BP.

Target Population: Black men who patronize Black-owned barbershops that cater to Black men

Major Hypothesis: A continuous high BP detection and medical referral program conducted by influential peers in a receptive community setting (barbershops) will a) change social norms about healthcare utilization, b) promote treatment-seeking behavior, and c) thus lower BP among the hypertensive customers who regularly visit these barbershops. We postulate that the intervention effects with exceed secular trends.

Primary Medical Objective: In intervention vs. control barbershops, increase the fraction of hypertensive customers achieving recommended systolic and diastolic BP values (<140mmHg and <90mmHg, respectively).

Specific Behavioral Objectives: Among the regular adult Black male customers with hypertension,

Aim 1. Increase the measurement of BP during haircuts and the recognition of elevated readings.
Aim 2. Increase new referrals to regular medical providers for untreated hypertension.
Aim 3. Increase follow-up medical appointments for under-treated hypertension.

Previous Research Activities or Publications with Medical Students:

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