Risk Factors Associated with the Outcome of Hypertension Among Afro-Caribbean Ethnic Groups in the United Kingdom: A Systematic Review

Yusuf, Omeneke (2025) Risk Factors Associated with the Outcome of Hypertension Among Afro-Caribbean Ethnic Groups in the United Kingdom: A Systematic Review. Masters thesis, University of Wales Trinity Saint David.

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Abstract

Background: Hypertension prevalence among individuals of Black African or Black Caribbean heritage in the UK is markedly higher than that of the general population. Despite advancements in blood pressure management, racial and ethnic minorities continue to face significant differences in hypertension care. Aim: This systematic review aimed to evaluate the risk factors associated with hypertension outcomes in Afro-Caribbeans in the UK. Method: A systematic search across PubMed, Science Direct, and ProQuest was conducted via the University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD) library, selecting 11 research articles out of the 61,769 articles collected that fulfilled the PRISMA 2020 checklist criteria, and the CASP checklist was used to appraise the articles. Findings: The 11 studies included in this review highlight that African-Caribbeans and South Asians experience higher rates of hypertension, with blood pressure levels typically beginning to rise earlier in African-Caribbean individuals, often between ages 30 and 40, despite available monitoring options and related conditions compared to White British individuals, although patterns and contributing factors can vary by ethnicity and age. While some research found a higher BMI and central arterial stiffness in certain minority groups, other factors like dietary habits, particularly high salt intake and infrequent breakfast consumption, and diastolic dysfunction were also found to play a significant role in these health inequalities. Conclusion: Findings indicate that blood pressure of the Afro-Caribbeans rises with age. Additionally, challenges in managing blood pressure persist among Black patients in the UK, influenced by dietary habits such as high salt consumption and elevated obesity rates within Afro-Caribbean communities. Notably, behaviours associated with adolescent dietary habits, including a tendency to skip breakfast, were more pronounced in Black populations. The review also highlights complex ethnic variations in arterial characteristics and cardiac function, emphasising the need for tailored hypertension management strategies.

Item Type:	Thesis (Masters)
Subjects:	R Medicine > RA Public aspects of medicine > RA0421 Public health. Hygiene. Preventive Medicine
Divisions:	Theses and Dissertations > Masters Dissertations
Depositing User:	Victoria Hankinson
Date Deposited:	01 Sep 2025 15:33
Last Modified:	01 Sep 2025 15:33
URI:	https://repository.uwtsd.ac.uk/id/eprint/3903

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