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

Launched by TULANE UNIVERSITY · Sep 26, 2023

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

The CHERISH study is looking into ways to improve heart health for Black adults in New Orleans, Louisiana, where heart disease is a major concern. This trial aims to tackle the higher rates of cardiovascular diseases, such as hypertension and diabetes, which affect Black communities more than others. The study will compare two different methods of delivering health interventions: one led by community health workers who will provide a variety of support and guidance, and another that focuses on group education sessions. The goal is to see which method is more effective in helping participants manage their heart health over 18 months.

To participate in this study, individuals must be Black or African American adults aged 40 or older, and have at least four risk factors for heart disease, such as being overweight, smoking, or having high blood pressure. Participants should also be associated with local churches, as this is a community-based initiative. Those who join can expect personalized support to help them improve their heart health, and they will be contributing to important research that could lead to better health solutions for their community.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility 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.