Improving heart health for low-income rural patients with obesity
Official title: K01 Career Development Award
Funded at Washington University · NIH-10993168 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how to help people in rural areas with higher body weight make healthier choices for their hearts by using a special digital tool that gives them personalized advice on eating well and staying active during their doctor visits.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project start | December 1, 2023 |
| Project end | November 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $162,908 |
| NIH project number | 5K01HL167993-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10993168 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are low-income adults living in rural areas with elevated body mass index and increased risk for cardiovascular disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not live in rural areas or who do not have elevated body mass index may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to address the social and environmental challenges that hinder behavior change and cardiovascular health in low-income rural patients. It focuses on individuals with elevated body mass index (BMI) who are at increased risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD). The approach involves using a digital health tool called PREVENT, which helps healthcare teams provide personalized counseling and resources for healthy eating and physical activity during clinic visits. By tailoring interventions to the specific needs of these patients, the research seeks to enhance the quality of care and promote health equity.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved cardiovascular health outcomes for low-income rural patients struggling with obesity.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that digital health tools can be effective in urban settings, suggesting potential for success in rural populations as well.
Where this research is happening
-
Washington University
Saint Louis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kepper, Maura — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Kepper, Maura
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.