A program to reduce stress and improve health in older African American women.

The Impact of a Race-Based Stress Reduction Intervention on Well-Being, Inflammation, and DNA methylation in Older African American Women at Risk for Cardiometabolic Disease

NIH-funded research Loyola University Chicago · NIH-11032819

This study is testing a special eight-week program called RiSE that helps older African American women reduce stress and improve their health by focusing on the effects of racism and discrimination, and it aims to make them feel better both mentally and physically.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionLoyola University Chicago NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Maywood, United States)
Project IDNIH-11032819 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates a unique stress reduction program designed specifically for older African American women who are at risk for cardiometabolic disease. The program, called Resilience, Stress, and Ethnicity (RiSE), lasts for eight weeks and incorporates cognitive-behavioral strategies that address the psychological and social impacts of racism and discrimination. Participants will engage in group sessions aimed at enhancing their well-being, reducing inflammation, and improving health outcomes. The study will measure changes in psychological distress, inflammatory markers, and DNA methylation to assess the program's effectiveness.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are older African American women who are at risk for conditions like obesity, hypertension, and prediabetes.

Not a fit: Patients who are not African American or who do not fall into the older age category may not receive benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved mental and physical health outcomes for older African American women at risk for cardiometabolic disease.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results with similar stress reduction interventions targeting minority populations, indicating potential for success in this approach.

Where this research is happening

Maywood, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.