Church program to lower blood pressure in African Americans
Abundant Living: A Church-based Intervention to Improve Blood Pressure in African Americans
This study is testing a year-long program in churches to help African Americans with high blood pressure learn how to manage it better through health education and lifestyle changes.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 312 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Rush University Medical Center Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Chicago, Illinois) |
| Trial ID | NCT05220332 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This intervention involves a 12-month behavioral cluster-randomized approach aimed at reducing blood pressure among African Americans with uncontrolled hypertension. The program utilizes church-based resources and community engagement to promote health education and lifestyle changes. Participants will engage in weekly Zoom meetings and activities designed to improve their understanding of blood pressure management and encourage healthier behaviors. The intervention includes components like 'Heart to Heart' and 'Money Smart' to address both health and financial literacy.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are African American adults aged 18 or older with uncontrolled blood pressure who regularly attend church services.
Not a fit: Patients who are unable to make dietary changes or do not attend church regularly may not benefit from this intervention.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly lower blood pressure levels in African American communities, leading to improved overall health outcomes.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown success with community-based interventions targeting hypertension in similar populations, indicating a promising approach.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: Churches: * At least 75 members and ability to recruit 15 study participants * Predominantly African American congregants Participants: * Age 18 or older * Has blood pressure readings with uncontrolled blood pressure, defined as exceeding the blood thresholds for initiation of antihypertensive medication according to the 2017 American College of Cardiology/ American Heart Association (ACC/AHA) guidelines. \- The thresholds are 140/90 for the general population \< 65 years old, and 130/80 for individuals ≥ 65 or with diabetes, chronic kidney disease, or high cardiovascular risk (self-report of prior diagnosis of myocardial infarction, coronary heart disease, stroke or heart failure) * Attends church (virtually or in-person) at least once per month * Able to attend weekly Zoom meetings * Consents and completes all baseline assessments Exclusion Criteria: Churches: • Pastor unwilling to conduct Bible study Participants: * Unable to make dietary changes due to lack of control over their food source (i.e., eat meals at shelter, nursing home) * Has a medical condition that prohibits or severely restricts ability to eat vegetables (i.e., renal disease, Crohn's disease) * Has a medical condition with an uncertain 6-month prognosis * Inability to give informed consent (i.e., cognitive impairment, does not speak Englis * Plans to move within the 6 months following enrollment * Participated in prior ALIVE intervention * Member of household participating in another church
Where this trial is running
Chicago, Illinois
- Rush University Medical Center — Chicago, Illinois, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Elizabeth M Lynch, PhD
- Email: elizabeth_lynch@rush.edu
- Phone: 3125632254
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.