Cooking intervention for African Americans at risk for heart disease

Exploring a Dietary Behavior Intervention in African-Americans at Risk for Cardiovascular Disease: A Community Acceptability and Feasibility Study

Not applicable Interventional National Institutes of Health Clinical Center (CC) · NCT04305431

This study is trying out a cooking program for African American adults at risk for heart disease to see if it can help them cook more at home and eat healthier.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment55 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 99 Years
SexAll
SponsorNational Institutes of Health Clinical Center (CC) NIH
Locations1 site (Bethesda, Maryland)
Trial IDNCT04305431 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to explore the cooking behaviors of African American adults living in food desert communities who are at risk for cardiovascular disease. It will assess the feasibility of a community-based cooking intervention designed to improve home-cooking frequency and dietary habits. Participants will complete surveys and engage in focus groups to identify barriers and facilitators related to cooking. The study will be conducted in two phases, with the first phase focusing on understanding current cooking behaviors and the second phase evaluating the impact of the cooking intervention.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are African American adults aged 18 and older living in Wards 7 and 8 of Washington, D.C., with at least one self-reported risk factor for cardiovascular disease.

Not a fit: Patients who do not identify as African American or do not live in the specified geographic areas may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could lead to improved dietary habits and reduced risk of heart disease among African American adults.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown success with community-based dietary interventions, particularly in underserved populations, indicating potential for positive outcomes in this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
* FIRST PHASE:

A sample of AA adults (n= 20) living in Wards 7 or 8 of Washington, D.C. will be recruited for this phase.

INCLUSION CRITERIA:

English-speaking

Self-identified AA adults (defined as age greater than or equal to 18)

Live in Wards 7 or 8 in Washington, D.C.

At least one self-reported risk factor for CV disease known by participant or told to participant by a clinician within the last 12 months. Specific risk factors are:

* overweight or obese (self-reported height and weight compute to BMI if needed greater than or equal to 25)
* elevated waist to hip ratio
* elevated cholesterol
* clinical hypertension or prehypertension
* prediabetes
* elevated fasting glucose level on laboratory report
* current smoker or prior (within the past 12 months) smoker.

EXCLUSION CRITERIA:

Under the age of 18

Do not live in Wards 7 or 8 in Washington, D.C.

No risk factors for CVD

Or adults not of AA descent (self-identified)

Non-English speaking

SECOND PHASE:

A sample of AA adults (n= 35) living in Wards 7 or 8 of Washington, D.C. will be recruited for this phase.

INCLUSION CRITERIA:

English-speaking

Self-identified AA adults (defined as age greater than or equal to 18)

Who live in Wards 7 or 8 in Washington, D.C.

At least one self-reported risk factor for CV disease known by participant or told to participant by a clinician within the last 12 months. Specific risk factors are:

* overweight or obese (self-reported height and weight compute to BMI if needed \>= 25)
* elevated waist to hip ratio
* elevated cholesterol
* clinical hypertension or prehypertension
* prediabetes
* elevated fasting glucose level on laboratory report
* current smoker or prior (within the past 12 months) smoker.

Not pregnant at the time of screening and enrollment.\*

Willing to not attend or enroll in another cooking/culinary education program or class during participation in this study

Not enrolled currently or in the prior 12 months (at time of recruitment) in another ongoing cooking/culinary education program or class

EXCLUSION CRITERIA:

AAs who are not age greater than or equal to 18

AA Adults not living in Wards 7 or 8 in Washington, D.C.

AA Adults living in the same household as another participant

AA adults without at least one risk factor for CVD

Or adults not of AA descent

Non-English speaking

Those enrolled currently or in the prior 12 months at time of recruitment in another ongoing cooking/culinary education program

Those not willing to not attend or enroll in another cooking/culinary education program or class during participation in this study

\* If individuals become pregnant during their participation, they can continue to participate if they want to. The pregnant participant will not undergo DEXA scanning procedure.

Where this trial is running

Bethesda, Maryland

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 DietCookingDiabetesHeart DiseaseDietary BehaviorNutrition
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.