Abstract

Selma, CA is one of the most underprivileged and under-served communities in America. Furthermore,
rural populations are at higher risk of developing hypertension (HTN), and its corollary diabetes. In this study, we seek to identify social factors that may serve as barriers to receiving optimum care. We designed and distributed a short18-question survey designed along five dimensions: demographics, health literacy, education, socio-economics, and family/social support. Surveys were handed out to patients diagnosed with HTN. Patients were asked to return after six weeks for follow-up blood pressure check. We then separated our data into three groups: Compliant, Non-compliant, and Absent depending on blood pressure control and appointment adherence. Survey answers were then compared across groups to determine significant patterns. These patterns may shed light on social determinants of health in California’s Central Valley.