Grantee Research Project Results

2013 Progress Report: Hypertension in Mexican-Americans: Assessing Disparities in Air Pollutant Risks

EPA Grant Number: R834581
Title: Hypertension in Mexican-Americans: Assessing Disparities in Air Pollutant Risks
Investigators: Symanski, Elaine , Piller, Linda B. , Fernandez-Esquer, Maria E. , Bondy, Melissa L. , Chen, Lin-An , Chan, Wenyaw
Current Investigators: Symanski, Elaine , Bondy, Melissa L. , Chen, Lin-An , Jimenez, Maria , Strom, Sara , Chan, Wenyaw
Institution: The University of Texas School of Public Health , The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center , National Chiao-Tung University
Current Institution: The University of Texas School of Public Health , National Chiao-Tung University , The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
EPA Project Officer: Hahn, Intaek
Project Period: August 1, 2010 through July 31, 2014 (Extended to July 31, 2016)
Project Period Covered by this Report: August 1, 2012 through July 31,2013
Project Amount: $1,250,000
RFA: Understanding the Role of Nonchemical Stressors and Developing Analytic Methods for Cumulative Risk Assessments (2009) RFA Text | Recipients Lists
Research Category: Human Health

Objective:

We are assessing the hypothesis that individual-and neighborhood-level psychosocial stressors exacerbate risks for hypertension associated with fine particulates and other air pollutants among individuals of Mexican origin living in Houston, Texas who are also participating in the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center’s Mano a Mano cohort study. Several studies have shown an association between air pollutants and hypertension via oxidative stress and inflammatory pathways. Yet, little is known about the modifying effects of nonchemical stressors on air pollutant risks for hypertension. The incidence of hypertension, a key risk factor for cardiovascular diseases (CVD), has been growing in the United States (U.S.) and CVD remains the leading cause of death among the U.S. Hispanic population. Novel methods for addressing interactions in a logistic regression context are being developed. We are also applying a community-based approach by involving the community in defining research questions, identifying mechanisms for becoming involved in research activities and interpreting and disseminating research findings. This program will also help to identify culturally-specific elements that could be used for an effective intervention in a Latino community to address disparities in air pollutant health risks.

Progress Summary:

In our development of statistical methods, we have developed a computational method to test the interaction effect. However, our work underscored a need to adjust the inflated or deflated type I error and work in this area is ongoing. For the isobole method for testing an interaction effect that is also under development, we have developed procedures to classify an isobole as having a synergistic or antagonistic effect when interaction effect exists.

We obtain community involvement through two advisory groups: the Mano-a-Mano Community Advisory Board and the advisory group for the project, the Neighborhood Council of Advisors. In the previous reporting period, focus groups were conducted to learn about sources of stress that community members experience at work, at home and in their neighborhoods, along with activities and behaviors that may influence exposures to air pollution. These discussions were transcribed, translated (as necessary), and evaluated using qualitative methods. Based on their content, a questionnaire was developed, pilot tested and finalized during the current reporting period. The protocol for administering the questionnaire was approved in October 2013.

Future Activities:

We will administer the questionnaire among selected 2400 members of the Mano a Mano cohort. Regarding statistical methodology, we plan to complete the method proposed in our grant application by adjusting the inflated or deflated type I error and apply the completed procedure to the data collected in the project. For the isobole approach, we will finalize developing procedures that can combine the results of each isobole test for use of testing the overall interaction effect.

Journal Articles:

No journal articles submitted with this report: View all 5 publications for this project

Supplemental Keywords:

Air Pollution, Epidemiology, Exposure, Sensitive populations, Health, Scientific Discipline, ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT, Health Risk Assessment, Risk Assessments, Biology, Risk Management, Biochemistry, cumulative exposure, hispanics, cumulative risk, oxidative stress, cardiovascular disease, air pollution, human health risk, latino community, hypertension

Progress and Final Reports:

Original Abstract

The perspectives, information and conclusions conveyed in research project abstracts, progress reports, final reports, journal abstracts and journal publications convey the viewpoints of the principal investigator and may not represent the views and policies of ORD and EPA. Conclusions drawn by the principal investigators have not been reviewed by the Agency.