WSU, Institute of Gerontology Fall 2024 Colloquia Series is pleased to present:

Angela Groves
Assistant Professor
Bronson School of Nursing
Western Michigan University

ABSTRACT:

Introduction: Hypertension is the leading modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease, and it disproportionately affects African American women, who face increased risks of heart disease, kidney disease, and stroke. The Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet effectively reduces blood pressure, but African American women often face challenges with adhering to it. Peer support, a proven mechanism for improving health behaviors through social connections and community resources, may help these women better manage their diet and hypertension. This qualitative study explored the experiences of African American women participating in an eight-week peer (dyadic) support intervention to improve DASH diet adherence and lowering systolic blood pressure, with an emphasis on understanding the dyadic relationship. Methods: A purposive sample of 40 African American women (20 dyads) was recruited for five focus groups that were conducted both online and in person. Content analysis was used to identify themes related to the nature and quality of peer interactions and relationships from the perspectives of the 34 women who completed the intervention (Mean age = 71.38 years; SD = 8.38). Results: Four subthemes emerged: emotional support, shared experiences, informational/inspirational support, and accountability. The participants reported forming strong, supportive relationships that were crucial in improving diet and blood pressure management.

Conclusion: This study underscores the benefits of peer support in managing hypertension among older African American women, suggesting the need for future randomized controlled trials to examine the effectiveness of the DASH diet with and without peer support.

BIO:

Dr. Angela Groves is an Assistant Professor of Nursing at the Bronson School of Nursing, Western Michigan University. She earned a BSN from Ursuline College, an MSN from Indiana State University, and a PhD in Nursing from Hampton University. Dr. Groves is a certified nurse educator and is board-certified in medical-surgical nursing.

Her primary research interest lies in addressing health disparities among midlife and older African American women with hypertension. Dr. Groves's current research focuses on a dyadic peer support intervention aimed at improving dietary adherence and reducing systolic blood pressure in this population. She has received both foundation and internal grants to support her research and has published peer-reviewed articles related to hypertension among African American women.

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