Church-based health intervention to reduce racial inequalities in cardiovascular health

Church-based Health Intervention to Eliminate Racial Inequalities in Cardiovascular Health

Not applicable Interventional Tulane University · NCT06065098

This study is testing two different ways to help Black communities in New Orleans improve their heart health and reduce risks for heart disease through health coaching and education.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment806 (estimated)
Ages40 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorTulane University Academic / other
Drugs / interventionschemotherapy, radiation
Locations1 site (New Orleans, Louisiana)
Trial IDNCT06065098 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

The CHERISH study aims to address racial disparities in cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors among predominantly Black communities in New Orleans, Louisiana. This cluster randomized trial will compare two implementation strategies: a community health worker (CHW)-led multifaceted intervention and a group-based education approach. Over 18 months, the study will evaluate the effectiveness of these strategies in reducing CVD risk and improving health outcomes, while also assessing implementation factors such as acceptability and sustainability. The intervention includes health coaching, exercise programs, and education on lifestyle changes and medication adherence.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are men and women aged 40 and older with three or more cardiovascular disease risk factors who are associated with participating churches.

Not a fit: Patients with recent hospitalization for heart failure or heart attack, current cancer treatment, or severe chronic kidney disease may not benefit from this intervention.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly reduce cardiovascular disease risk factors and improve health outcomes for African American communities.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown success with community-based health interventions targeting racial health disparities, indicating potential for positive outcomes in this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Men or women aged ≥40 years
* Community members associated with the participating churches (church members and their families and friends)
* Individuals with three or more CVD risk factors (out of seven):

  * Current smoker
  * Overweight or obese (BMI ≥25 kg/m2)
  * Insufficient physical activity (\<150 minutes/week moderate intensity or \<75 minutes/week vigorous intensity)
  * Healthy diet score of \<4 components
  * Total cholesterol ≥200 mg/dL
  * Blood pressure ≥130/80 mmHg
  * Fasting plasma glucose ≥100 mg/dL
* Willing and able to participate in the intervention

Exclusion Criteria:

* No prior hospitalization in the last 3 months for chronic heart failure or heart attack.
* No current diagnosis of cancer requiring chemotherapy or radiation therapy
* No stage-5 chronic kidney disease requiring chronic dialysis, or transplant.
* Not pregnant or planning to become pregnant in the next 18 months.
* No plans to move out of the New Orleans metropolitan area during the next year.

Where this trial is running

New Orleans, Louisiana

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Cardiovascular DiseasesHypertensionDiabetesHypercholesterolemiahealth inequitiescardiovascular healthcommunity-based interventionscardiovascular disease prevention
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.