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.