Educational attainment does not modify the effect of educational interventions on blood pressure control: a secondary analysis of data from a randomised trial

OBJECTIVES To assess whether the effects of community-based educational interventions to improve blood pressure, weight and health behaviours benefit participants with lower educational levels more than those with higher educational levels. DESIGN Secondary data analysis. SETTING Two 12-month community-based educational interventions, one led by trained peers and one delivered by health professionals. PARTICIPANTS A total of 403 hypertensive individuals, grouped by education (high school or less; 1-3 years college; 4 + years college). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Blood pressure, weight, physical activity and fruit and vegetable intake. RESULTS We found that changes in blood pressure, weight and physical activity were similar across education levels; college graduates consumed more daily servings of fruits and vegetables at baseline (3.7 versus 3.6 for those with 12-15 years and 3.1 for those with < 12 years, p = 0.0112), and increased intake more after the intervention (+0.4 versus -0.1 and -0.1, p = 0.0142). The two methods of delivery - peer-led versus professional - had similar effects on all measures. CONCLUSIONS We conclude that educational interventions, whether delivered by peers or professionals, may improve chronic disease self-management among participants but do not confer greater benefits on participants with lower educational levels.