Reducing chronic disease risks in unemployed, disadvantaged populations

NC Works4Health: Reducing Chronic Disease Risks in Socioeconomically Disadvantaged, Unemployed Populations

NA · University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill · NCT04815278

This study is testing a new program to help unemployed people from disadvantaged backgrounds lower their risk of chronic diseases by providing better health support and resources.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment600 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 64 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of North Carolina, Chapel Hill (other)
Drugs / interventionschemotherapy, radiation
Locations1 site (Chapel Hill, North Carolina)
Trial IDNCT04815278 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

The NC Works4Health initiative aims to test a multilevel intervention designed to reduce chronic disease risks among socioeconomically disadvantaged individuals who are unemployed. This study leverages partnerships between academic and community stakeholders to embed health prevention efforts within Department of Social Services Employment (DSS-E) programs. The intervention focuses on enhancing support for individuals at both the personal and employer levels to address the psychological and behavioral risks associated with unemployment. By targeting these areas, the study seeks to mitigate the health impacts of unemployment and improve overall well-being.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are unemployed adults aged 18 to 64 who are receiving DSS-E services and can read and understand English.

Not a fit: Patients who are currently receiving disability benefits, pregnant, or have certain severe chronic conditions will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly lower the risk of chronic diseases and improve health outcomes for unemployed individuals in disadvantaged communities.

How similar studies have performed: While there have been studies addressing chronic disease prevention in similar populations, this specific multilevel intervention approach is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* receiving DSS-E services
* between the age of 18 and 64 years old
* unemployed
* fluent and able to read English

Exclusion Criteria:

* receiving or applied for disability benefits
* pregnant
* Any of the following chronic conditions: severe high blood pressure (with a reading of 180/110 or higher in the past 6 months), a health condition or injury that has left you unsteady, or unbalanced when you walk, a history of falling in the past 6 months, cancer that is actively being treated with chemotherapy of radiation to your chest or abdomen (stomach area), inflammatory bowel disease (such as Crohn's disease, or ulcerative colitis), an implanted cardiac defibrillator (a small device placed under the skin on your chest to help your heart function)

Where this trial is running

Chapel Hill, North Carolina

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.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Diabetes, Chronic Disease, Psychological Distress, Unemployment, Weight Maintenance, Unintentional Bias, Employment Services, Self-Monitoring

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.