Screening for Perceived Stress and Racism in Hypertensive African American Men in a Community Health Setting

Objective: To explore the feasibility of screening for perceived stress, perceived racism, and provision of transcendental meditation education in hypertensive African American men receiving care at a community health clinic. Design and sample: An exploratory-descriptive pilot project was conducted with 21 African American men. Measures: Surveys were used to measure levels of perceived stress and perceived racism. Educational materials on transcendental meditation were offered. A study evaluation survey was completed. Results: Participants ranged in age from 37 to 58 years old. Perceived stress scores were high (M=21, ± 9.5) and perceived lifetime exposure to racism scores were low (M=20.3, ± 19.2). The majority (81%) felt that it was important to screen for stress and 57% would use evidence-based coping if education was offered. Conclusion: Screening for perceived stress in hypertensive African American men and educating them about the relationships between perceived racism, stress and hypertension, may be a feasible option to potentially help them to manage their blood pressure. Further exploration to determine if and how transcendental meditation can be implemented through community health clinics is needed.