A Comparative analysis of blood pressure screening outcomes among adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities and Autism Spectrum Disorder Relative to Normative values in a community-based sample from Cook County, Illinois.
Location
Poster #26
Start Date
1-5-2026 10:00 AM
Department
Community and Public Health
Abstract
Aim/Purpose: High blood pressure remains a leading modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. However, limited population-level research has examined blood pressure screening outcomes among adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). This study aimed to determine whether a statistically significant deviation exists between observed blood pressure screening measurements and established normative values among adults with IDD and ASD in a community-based sample from Cook County, Illinois. It addresses an important gap in the literature regarding whether the general population's blood pressure standards accurately reflect patterns within neurodiverse adult populations who frequently experience healthcare disparities. Methods: A cross-sectional comparative analytical design is employed, using data from community-based blood pressure screening initiatives. Also, observed systolic and diastolic blood pressure measurements are systematically compared with established normative thresholds to evaluate potential deviations from expected population standards. Statistical analyses incorporate descriptive measures of central tendency and dispersion, estimation of confidence intervals, and formal hypothesis testing procedures to determine the presence and magnitude of statistically significant differences relative to normative values. Results/Findings: The analysis provides empirical evidence regarding the presence of potential deviations in blood pressure patterns among adults with IDD and ASD when compared to established normative standards. The findings suggest that screening outcomes within the neurodiverse population may not consistently align with general population benchmarks, indicating the need for closer clinical and public health evaluation. Recommendations: These findings underscore the importance of reassessing the applicability of standard blood pressure screening thresholds for adults with IDD and ASD. Future research should further explore population-specific cardiovascular risk profiles and preventive strategies to promote equitable cardiovascular health outcomes among underserved and neurodiverse populations. Keywords: hypertension, intellectual and developmental disabilities, autism spectrum disorder, cardiovascular risk, health disparities, community-based screening, public health epidemiology.
Faculty Sponsor
Chika Ejike
A Comparative analysis of blood pressure screening outcomes among adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities and Autism Spectrum Disorder Relative to Normative values in a community-based sample from Cook County, Illinois.
Poster #26
Aim/Purpose: High blood pressure remains a leading modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. However, limited population-level research has examined blood pressure screening outcomes among adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). This study aimed to determine whether a statistically significant deviation exists between observed blood pressure screening measurements and established normative values among adults with IDD and ASD in a community-based sample from Cook County, Illinois. It addresses an important gap in the literature regarding whether the general population's blood pressure standards accurately reflect patterns within neurodiverse adult populations who frequently experience healthcare disparities. Methods: A cross-sectional comparative analytical design is employed, using data from community-based blood pressure screening initiatives. Also, observed systolic and diastolic blood pressure measurements are systematically compared with established normative thresholds to evaluate potential deviations from expected population standards. Statistical analyses incorporate descriptive measures of central tendency and dispersion, estimation of confidence intervals, and formal hypothesis testing procedures to determine the presence and magnitude of statistically significant differences relative to normative values. Results/Findings: The analysis provides empirical evidence regarding the presence of potential deviations in blood pressure patterns among adults with IDD and ASD when compared to established normative standards. The findings suggest that screening outcomes within the neurodiverse population may not consistently align with general population benchmarks, indicating the need for closer clinical and public health evaluation. Recommendations: These findings underscore the importance of reassessing the applicability of standard blood pressure screening thresholds for adults with IDD and ASD. Future research should further explore population-specific cardiovascular risk profiles and preventive strategies to promote equitable cardiovascular health outcomes among underserved and neurodiverse populations. Keywords: hypertension, intellectual and developmental disabilities, autism spectrum disorder, cardiovascular risk, health disparities, community-based screening, public health epidemiology.