Abstract 4140472: Promotores De Salud: An Essential Workforce in Enhancing Hypertension Health Knowledge in Puerto Rico

Introduction: Hypertension (HTN) is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease, and its prevention and management are influenced by health knowledge. This paper reviews the findings of a community-based HTN health knowledge program in Puerto Rico, facilitated by Community Health Workers (CHWs), also known as Promotores de Salud, who maintain a close relationship with their communities. Hypothesis: CHWs will positively impact a community’s HTN health knowledge and self-reported confidence in making lifestyle/behavior modifications with the use of Empowered to Serve (ETS) Health modules. Methods: American Heart Association (AHA) partnered with One Stop Career Center, a community-based organization in Puerto Rico. The program utilized AHA ETS modules focused on HTN prevention and management. CHWs instructed and implemented these modules across 10 community-based settings from 09/20/23 to 12/26/23. Participants were given a multiple-choice survey before and after each module. Descriptive Analysis and Two Proportion Z Test was performed on the surveys. CHWs also conducted a community discussion, distributed blood pressure devices, and referred participants to a self-measured blood pressure program. Results: The total count for pre-surveys was 214 and post-surveys was 224. Majority of participants identified as female (67.9% female) and Hispanic (95.2%), with 46.4% completed high school or less. Comparing pre- and post-surveys, confidence scores improved in monitoring blood pressure at home (41.0%, n/N=34/83 to 68.5%, n/N=61/89; p value=<0.001) , lifestyle changes to manage blood pressure (35.4%, n/N=29/82 to 73.0%, n/N=65/89; p value=<0.001), reading a nutrition label (40.2%, n/N=51/127 to 69.9%, n/N=95/136; p value=< 0.001), using spice alternatives when cooking (60.6%, n/N=77/127 to 80.7%, n/N=109/135; p value=<0.001), and reducing processed foods (36.5%, n/N=46/126 to 68.4%, n/N=93/136; p value=<0.001). Graph 1 contains the results of 4 knowledge-based questions. Conclusions: The data suggest that the CHWs, with the use of ETS modules, might play an important role in enhancing HTN health knowledge and improving confidence to support lifestyle/behavior modifications within Puerto Rican communities.