FELLAship program to improve heart and metabolic health in Black men
FELLAShip to Better Health
This program will try a 24-week, church-based combination of exercise and health education to see if it improves blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, and weight for Black men age 18 and older in the Birmingham area.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 90 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | Male |
| Sponsor | University of Alabama at Birmingham Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Birmingham, Alabama) |
| Trial ID | NCT07220213 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
FELLAship is a faith-based intervention delivered at The Worship Center Christian Church that combines weekly 90-minute sessions—45 minutes of trainer-led physical activity and 45 minutes of health education—over 24 weeks. Participants are randomized to start the program immediately or after a waitlist delay to compare short-term health changes and implementation factors. The study collects cardiovascular health metrics (blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar), Life's Essential 8 components, and health behavior measures while also studying factors that affect adoption, delivery, and sustainability in a church setting. Findings will inform whether this model can be scaled to improve cardiovascular health among Black men.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Self-identified Black men age 18 or older who live in the Birmingham metropolitan area, speak English, have less-than-ideal cardiovascular health (lower LE8 score), and have no medical restriction on physical activity.
Not a fit: Men with already ideal cardiovascular health, medical limits on physical activity, non-English speakers, or those living outside the Birmingham area likely will not benefit or be eligible.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the program could lower blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar while improving physical activity and weight, and create a sustainable church-based prevention model for Black men.
How similar studies have performed: Previous faith-based lifestyle programs targeting Black communities have shown mixed but generally encouraging improvements in activity, blood pressure, and weight, though implementation and long-term sustainability vary.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Self-identified Black men * Age 18 or older * LE8 (Life's Essential 8) score (threshold not specified, but implies "less than ideal" CVH) * English speaking * Resides in the Metropolitan Birmingham, Alabama area * No physical activity restrictions imposed by a healthcare provider Exclusion Criteria: * Not identifying as Black and male * Under age 18 * Non-English speakers * Not living in the Birmingham, Alabama metro area * Having a healthcare provider-imposed restriction on physical activity * Ideal CVH (i.e., LE8 (Life's Essential 8) score above inclusion threshold)
Where this trial is running
Birmingham, Alabama
- The Worship Center Cristian Church — Birmingham, Alabama, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: LeAndrea D Anderson
- Email: leandreaanderson@uabmc.edu
- Phone: 2059960089
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.