Figure 2. Percentage of Mediation for the Excess Risk of Incident Hypertension in Black Men and Women.

A 0% mediation means none of the association between race and incident hypertension is attributable to the factor (eg, the entire association between race and incident hypertension is a direct effect), whereas 100% means that race is fully mediated by the factor (eg, the total association is an indirect association with the mediating factor). There was a negative mediation for some factors (eg, for waist circumference in men). This implies that adjustment for this factor resulted in an exacerbation of the risk difference for incident hypertension with adjustment for this factor.

^aCalculated as weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared.

^bFor men, higher waist circumference was positively associated with the risk of incident hypertension (odds ratio, 1.18 [95% CI, 1.09-1.27]; incidence proportions at 25th percentile of waist circumference of 32.5% [95% CI, 30.5%-35.0%] and at the 75th percentile of waist circumference of 36.9% [95% CI, 34.9%-39.2%]; and an absolute difference 4.4% [95% CI, 2.3%-9.2%]), but white men had a larger waist than black men; therefore, the estimated difference between black and white adults became larger when adjusted for waist circumference.

^cThe 4-item Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression scale (CESD-4) was used; higher scores indicate more depressive symptoms.

^dHigher scores reflect more perceived stress.

^eLower scores indicate less adherence to the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet.

^fLower scores indicate less adherence to the Mediterranean diet.

^gHigher scores indicate more adherence to the Southern diet.

^hHigher scores indicate a greater intake of sodium relative to potassium.