Clinical Research Directory

Self-Management and Resilience Trajectories in African American Adults With Hypertension

Hypertension (HTN) rates have increased worldwide, but the most significant increase in the incidence of morbidity and mortality has been in African Americans (AA) (43% vs 27% for other U.S. population groups). Despite evidence of positive benefits from lifestyle modification (healthy diet, reduced sodium intake, increased physical activity, smoking cessation) and prescribed antihypertensive therapy (AHT) many AA with HTN do not adhere to their treatment regimens. Consistent, effective lifelong self-management is required to sustain optimal BP control and thus reduce morbidity and mortality. Self-managing HTN to a blood pressure (BP) \<130/80 mm Hg presents challenges such as juggling multiple medications and health care providers, dealing with complex recommendations and treatment regimens, and coping with negative emotional states. Few studies have examined the biopsychosocial mechanisms that foster effective HTN self-management and resilience among AA living with HTN. Understanding the mechanisms that influence HTN self-management and resilience in AA holds the promise of new modifiable targets for behavior-change interventions. This study explores the relationship among resilience precursors on hypertension (HTN) self-management behaviors, stress response, and the effects that these relationships have on health outcomes-health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and blood pressure (BP) in African Americans (AA) with HTN over a 6-month period.

Development of a Silica Microparticle Taggant System to Measure ART Adherence

Developing technologies to help measure and provide tools to support medication-taking behaviors (medication adherence) is an important step to ending the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) epidemic. TruTag Technologies has pioneered the use of a microparticle system that can be incorporated into the coating of medications may help users both identify the medication they are taking and record adherence events. By using a standard smartphone camera, shining light on TruTag-coated medications automatically identifies them to an onboard smartphone app which then indirectly records the adherence event. This study evaluates the real-world usability and feasibility of operating this system among people living with HIV (PLWH).

Evaluating a Dropless Postoperative Regimen After Cataract Surgery in a Vulnerable, County-hospital Population

The current postoperative cataract surgery eye drop regimen used at Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital (ZSFG) is a significant burden for its patient population, contributing to high rates of non-adherence and the development of postoperative complications. The investigators propose to replace this complex regimen with a single administration of intraocular antibiotic and subconjunctival steroid at the time of surgery. This pilot study will obtain the preliminary data required to eventually fully evaluate this innovation in postoperative care in a safety-net population with respect to postoperative outcomes, patient compliance, and patient and caregiver satisfaction.