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Ability And Willingness To Change Among African Immigrant Patients At Akwaaba, Marianne Sarkis, Temitayo Akinbola, Charise Canales, Hana Chamoun, Jacqueline Leaf, Elisabeth Nebie

Local Knowledge: Worcester Area Community-Based Research

What are the challenges faced in treating Hypertension in the Worcester African Immigrant Community?

This study investigates the relationship between the understanding of high blood pressure, and the ability and willingness to modify behavior among African patients at Akwaaba, a free health clinic in Worcester, Massachusetts. In this research, our team specifically explores how the understanding of lifestyle risk factors of hypertension, such as diet, exercise, and levels of stress, influence the willingness and ability to modify behavior among African born patients at Akwaaba. What become clear was that language barriers, cultural differences, and approach to health care within the …