The eligibility screening includes items that assess ten domains of eligibility including: (1) Age; (2) HTN diagnosis; (3) Race/Ethnicity; (4) Blood pressure; (5) Cognition; (6) Vision; (7) Hearing; (8) Literacy; (9) English Fluency; (10) Participation in other HTN studies.
Cognition
is assessed using the Comprehensive Assessment and Referral Evaluation (CARE) dementia diagnostic scale (CDIAG) [22,23]. This instrument was selected because it has been found to perform in a culture-fair manner [29] with better specificity among ethnically diverse groups, in comparison with other cognitive screens [30].
Antihypertensive Medications
are assessed using an instrument we developed for similar studies [31,32]. Dosage and timing of medications are administered at all study visits.
Demographics
This instrument is used to collect socio-demographic data that will allow us to properly describe the cohort and examine effects of these factors on BP control. Variables include age, marital status, education level, race/ethnicity, household income, employment status, and health insurance status.