Hypertension among African Americans - Research Paper Example

? Hypertension among African Americans of Hypertension among African Americans IntroductionResearchers have established that African Americans are affected by hypertension or high blood pressure in a unique manner as compared by their white counterparts. This is demonstrated by the fact that hypertension among African Americans begins at an earlier age than other ethnic groups (Hughson, Douglas-Denton & Bertram, 2009). Moreover, the complications which emanate from hypertension such as kidney disease, heart disease, stroke, dementia and blindness are likely to develop among African American patients (BMC Medical Genetics, 2012). This paper presents a research proposal on hypertension with a specific focus on African Americans. The paper will specifically aim at describing the purpose of the proposed study in terms of its importance or significance. The proposal also presents the research questions that will guide the whole study process. Furthermore a review of past literature on hypertension among African Americans is presented within this paper. More importantly, the study methodology which will enable the researcher to effectively meet the research questions is described and justifies. Purpose of the Study The proposed study aims at investigating hypertension among African Americans with a view of determining whether there is a genetic link which makes this ethnic group to be adversely affected by the condition as compared to other groups. It is through this study that previous research findings on the topic under investigation can be authenticated. In addition, the proposed study will employ effective research methods and approaches which would lead to collection and analysis of accurate and sufficient data. This will provide credible evidence based data for the stakeholders within healthcare administration and for health care providers. In this regard, the proposed study will contribute significantly into the body of knowledge on the topic as well as filling the gaps that previous studies demonstrate. Research Question 1. What is the comparative prevalence of hypertension among African Americans? 2. What factors predispose African Americans to hypertension? 3. What is the role of genetics in hypertension among African Americans? 4. What can be done to reduce the incidence and prevalence of hypertension among African Americans? Review of Literature A comparative study on environmental versus genetic factors in hypertension among African Americans as conducted in 2007 revealed that hypertension has no genetic link to its high prevalence among this group (Moulton, 2009). On the other hand, previous researchers through mixed research methodologies have disclosed a correlation between genetics and high blood pressure among African Americans (Hughson, Douglas-Denton & Bertram, 2009). These researchers reveal that there are gaps either in research methodology or analysis of findings on the genetic factor as one of the major causes of the significantly high incidence and prevalence of hypertension among African Americans. Genetic ancestry and education as well as environmental factors have been the major focus of past research on the topic. Nonetheless a study among African Americans within California State disclosed that education is not as significantly related to high blood pressure within this ethnic group as compared to the genetic predisposition (Wei, Coady, Goff, Brancati, Levy, Selvin & Fox, 2011). Past research on hypertension among African Americans has not adequately described the cause of early onset of hypertension within this group as compared to other ethnicities (BMC Medical Genetics, 2012). However, such researches have revealed that within every hour, an African American dies as a result of high blood pressure and the related complications which are almost twice as compared with whites (Non, Gravlee & Mulligan, 2012). Additionally, medical records have revealed that African Americans die more often as a result of kidney and heart diseases which are directly linked to hypertension (Wei, Coady, Goff, Brancati, Levy, Selvin & Fox, 2011). These alarming death rates require that more investigations are conducted on hypertension among the African American communities so that more information and data can be obtained and used to reduce these deaths. Facts on genetics and hypertension within African Americans have been uncovered through previous comparative researches between traditional Africans within Africa and those who live in America. These investigations reveal that fewer problems are experienced by black individuals in Africa because of their values for traditional lifestyles (Wei, Coady, Goff, Brancati, Levy, Selvin & Fox, 2011). Nonetheless the correlation of genetics and hypertension among African Americans by these studies was not distinctively brought out. However, the role of genetics in hypertension has been demonstrated by qualitative researchers who demonstrate that the response of African Americans to hypertension therapy is different from that of their white counterparts (BMC Medical Genetics, 2012). This reveals that the differences in ancestry and genotype have a significant role in hypertension. Surveys among African Americans reveal that this ethnic group is relatively more sensitive to salt as compared to other ethnicities (Moulton, 2009). Salt is one of the major triggers and dietary predisposing factors to hypertension. It is evident that the sensitivity of African American to salt as compared to other groups reflects that the genetic factor plays a role in hypertension among them. Additionally, a low intake of potassium has been revealed among African Americans as compared to other ethnic groups. The high incidence of hypertension among African Americans has also been attributed to the racial disparities which have been argued to exist within programs on hypertension control (Non, Gravlee & Mulligan, 2012). This is regardless of the fact that African Americans have been demonstrated to have a relatively low control of their blood pressure when compared to whites and Caucasians (Wei, Coady, Goff, Brancati, Levy, Selvin & Fox, 2011). This has led to high mortalities being suffered among African Americans with hypertension. Quantitative studies specifically reveal that an 80% predisposition to fatal stroke is experienced among African Americans and a very high risk of developing kidney disorders (BMC Medical Genetics, 2012). These conditions as suffered by the African American community are mainly as a result of hypertension. Since statistical data reveal that the African Americans are at a higher risk to high blood pressure, it is arguable that a genetic link to this condition is likely. Scientific findings which prove otherwise demonstrate the justification for prying further into the research topic. Methodology Study Methods The proposed study will employ both secondary and primary research methodologies. Thorough a primary research method, the investigation will be able to come up with credible data on the specific areas of the study as defined by the research objectives. Primary research method is also described as an effective approach through which investigators gather firsthand information and use it in analysis for effectiveness in meeting the objectives of the study (Kothari, 2009). More importantly, primary research is justified for the proposed study due to the fact that it offers the researcher more control in the manner in which the study will be conducted especially in the collection of data (Singh, 2008). The accuracy and validity of findings will also be achieved through the implementation of primary research method. Secondary research method will also be applied within the proposed study. This method involves the collection and analysis of data from secondary sources as reported by previous research (Kothari, 2009). The secondary methodology within the proposed investigation will be focused on previous data on hypertension among African Americans. More specifically, secondary data on the genetic factor and how it could be correlated to the high incidence of hypertension among African Americans will be gathered during the study. The secondary research method will target databases on hypertension especially among African Americans and how it compares with other racial and ethnic groups. Study Design Both qualitative and quantitative study designs are appropriate for the proposed investigation and hence will be applied in meeting the objectives and purpose of the study. Quantitative research design is described as an ideal way through which quantifiable or statistical data can be gathered for analysis and presentation (Singh, 2008). In the proposed study, a quantitative research method is justified because of its benefit in allowing the researcher to adequately investigate the independent and dependent variables which are related to hypertension among African Americans. Quantitative research design on the other hand will be employed within the proposed study because it will allow the investigator to gather unquantifiable data for the purpose of accomplishing the purpose of the study (Kothari, 2009). Case Study A case study research method and design will be used within the proposed study. A case study of hypertension among African Americans is selected for the study. It is through this case study that an investigation of the role of genetics in the high incidence and prevalence of hypertension among African Americans can be effectively achieved. A case study is said to be an effective method through which an in-depth study to a specific phenomenon can be achieved (Singh, 2008). More importantly a focus on the African American case study will allow gathering of adequate data that will aid stakeholders to employ effective methods of managing the condition within the group. Sampling Techniques A random sampling technique will be used to select participants for the study. Through a random sampling approach, bias is removed and hence all individuals have an equal chance of being selected for the study (Kothari, 2009). The use of a random sample will allow the investigation to select a manageable number of study subjects within the study population. This will help in meeting the limitations in resources and time. More specifically, a random sample will allow a study that will generalize the findings and discussion to the overall population among African Americans in relation to the genetic link to the high rate of hypertension and the related complications among this group. Data Collection tools In the primary research, questionnaires and interviews will be used as the most appropriate and effective tools for gathering data for the study. Questionnaires are said to be objective in the collection of data during scientific analysis (Kothari, 2009). It is in this regard that questionnaires will be used to ensure that the study process is less subjective. In addition, the use of questionnaires for the study will allow the investigator to reach a large group of respondents. In return sufficient data and information will be gathered and presented for analysis, interpretation and discussion. Interviews on the other hand will be used in the study because they would allow the researcher to clarify specific questions for the respondents to give accurate data (Singh, 2008). Additionally questionnaires will allow the investigator to reach respondents who are not able to read. The secondary research will employ tools for gathering online databases such as Google and yahoo search engines. Boolean search strategy will also be used to specifically collect data and information on the topic from scientific research databases and online libraries on hypertension. Conclusion Because of the registered high prevalence of hypertension among African Americans and research gaps in this area, the proposed study is highly justifiable. The study will specifically aim at determining the role of genetics in hypertension among African Americans as compared to other racial groups. Both quantitative and qualitative research designs will be employed in primary and secondary research. Random sampling will be used to select a sample within the study population with a case study approach being the most appropriate way of achieving detailed research. More importantly primary data will be collected through questionnaires and interviews as research tools. Secondary data will be gathered from online databases which contain findings and reports of previous studies on the topic. References BMC Medical Genetics (2012). Non-replication study of a genome-wide association study for hypertension and blood pressure in African Americans. BMC Medical Genetics, 13(1), 27-34 Hughson, M. D., Douglas-Denton, R. R., Bertram, J. F., & W. E., H. (2009). Hypertension, glomerular number, and birth weight in African Americans and white subjects in the southeastern United States. Kidney International, 69(4), 671-678. Kothari, C. R., 2009, “Research methodology: Methods and techniques”, New Delhi: New Age International (P) Ltd. Moulton, S. A. (2009). Hypertension in African Americans and Its Related Chronic Diseases. Journal of Cultural Diversity, 16(4), 165-170. Non, A. L., Gravlee, C. C., & Mulligan, C. J. (2012). Education, Genetic Ancestry, and Blood Pressure in African Americans and Whites. American Journal of Public Health, 102(8), 1559-1565 Singh, Y. K., 2008, “Fundamental of research methodology and statistics”, New Delhi: New Age International. Wei, G. S., Coady, S. A., Goff Jr., D. C., Brancati, F. L., Levy, D., Selvin, E., & Fox, C. S. (2011). Blood Pressure and the Risk of Developing Diabetes in African Americans and Whites. Diabetes Care, 34(4), 873-879 Read More