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MA/PhD Theses Abstracts of Current Students & Alumni |
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Wallach, Wendy J. 1979. - Medical Anthropology and the Hypertension Problem in the Tampa Bay Area.
ABSTRACT: Hypertension is a dangerous but asymptomatic condition which is a precursor to heart disease, kidney disease and stroke. A synthetic estimate calculated at the Florida Gulf Health Systems Agency (FGHSA) indicated that the prevalence rate of hypertension was higher for the region (22.1%) than for the nation (18.1%). The intent of this study was to develop recommendations for a comprehensive community-based hypertension control program in the four-county region (Hillsborough, Pasco, Manatee and Pinellas Counties) designed to detect, treat and educate those individuals and high risk groups with hypertension. Due to the close association between human biology, behavior and the environment involved in the etiology of the disease, recommendations developed from a medical anthropological point of view lent much insight to the control of the disease. The methodology involved development of synthetic estimates calculated to determine the prevalence rate of hypertension by age, race and sex in the region, and administration of a local survey developed by the Agency (FGHSA) and designed to determine the present status of control programs. Prevalence of hypertension locally exceeds national rates in all counties but Hillsborough, which may be due to the relatively large elderly population in Pasco, Manatee and Pinellas Counties. The survey results indicate that: the current programs are not distributed appropriately according to need; the goals of the locally based programs are not specified; no specific target population is addressed; there is poor data collection and inadequate record keeping. Attention needs to be directed toward: identifying high risk groups; establishing a centralized data bank; and coordinating and standardizing the services of the existing programs. With the assistance of the FGHSS and with active participation from the administrators of each program, action can be taken toward developing a more effective and accessible program according to the community's needs, one which will work toward control and ultimate eradication of the disease.
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