Community and Worksite Health Screenings to Determine Hypertension and Diabetes Risk Among Adults Living in Rural Mississippi
Catherine Moring, Danielle Fastring, Jennifer Taylor, Allison Tharp, Corbett WeathersbyBackground
Hypertension, prediabetes, and diabetes remain leading contributors to morbidity and mortality in the United States. Despite this, many individuals remain undiagnosed or unaware of their risk. Community and worksite-based screenings represent an important strategy to increase awareness and connect populations with appropriate care.
Objective
This study evaluated the outcomes of community and worksite health screenings, with a focus on the prevalence of hypertension and diabetes, levels of awareness, and racial disparities in risk recognition.
Methods
Free onsite screenings for blood pressure, glucose, and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) were conducted by the Mississippi Diabetes Network (MDN) at community and worksite locations in rural Mississippi primarily in the northwest region. Standardized procedures included blood pressure measurement, fingerstick sampling for glucose and HbA1c testing, and immediate feedback with brief counseling. Participants with abnormal values were provided referrals for follow-up healthcare.
Results
Among the 832 individuals who participated in the screenings, the majority were aged 40–69 years and identified as either African American (53.3%) or Caucasian (45.6%). Nearly 95% exhibited abnormal blood pressure, with 61.3% classified as Stage 2 hypertension (≥140/90). Based on HbA1c results, 54.4% had no diabetes, 32.4% had prediabetes, and 13.3% had diabetes. Hypertension awareness was 59.2% among African American participants and 37.2% among Caucasian participants. Corresponding prediabetes or diabetes awareness was 34.7% among African American participants and 23.5% among Caucasian participants. Among participants with clinically abnormal HbA1c values, only 31.3% were aware of their condition, including 16.4% of those with prediabetes and 67.3% of those with diabetes.
Conclusions
Community and worksite screenings reveal a high burden of undiagnosed hypertension and prediabetes, as well as racial disparities in disease awareness. Expanding and tailoring outreach efforts is critical to improving chronic disease prevention and advancing health equity.