Abstract TU126: Parents are Receptive to Childhood Blood Pressure Screening in Non-Clinical Settings

Abstract

Introduction: Pediatric hypertension impacts approximately 14% of children in the US and disproportionately impacts low-income families. Regular blood pressure screening in childhood is needed for effective identification and management of this condition. While non-clinic-based blood pressure screening including home and community-based screening have long been used to overcome access issues and support cardiovascular health equity in adult populations they have scarcely been explored for children. Hypothesis: We hypothesized that parents would be receptive to non-clinic-based pediatric blood pressure screening. Methods: We conducted semi-structured interviews with parents of children aged 3-17 years old in Central Massachusetts. Interviews were audio recorded and professionally transcribed. We used rapid qualitative analysis to synthesize themes from the data. All activities were approved by our institutional review board. Results: A total of 32 parents were interviewed, 75% of whom were from a very low or low child opportunity index area. The mean age was 39 years (SD 9.7) for parents and 9 years (SD 4.9) for children. Most parents were female (84%) and had multiple children (87%). Three primary themes emerged. 1) Parents were receptive to the idea of community-based blood pressure screening delivered by public health nurses and viewed it as an additional service to in clinic care. 2) Parents expressed that it is important for any blood pressure screening service to be convenient, quick, and low or no cost. Accordingly, some noted school- or home-based screening would be desirable. Several parents who monitor their blood pressure at home reported their children show interest in the home monitoring. 3) Parents described pediatric primary care providers as important sources of information and key to their acceptance of blood pressure screening in non-clinical settings. Parents reported wanting to learn about non-clinic-based screenings from their child’s primary care provider and wanting to be educated by them on why screening is important. Conclusion: In conclusion, parents are receptive to blood pressure screening for their children in non-clinical settings including community, school, and home settings. This supports the use of such settings to increase access to pediatric blood pressure screening. Such efforts may improve diagnosis of pediatric hypertension and ultimately help reduce cardiovascular health disparities.