Enhancing Intergenerational Health in Nigeria: Peripartum as Critical Life Stage for Cardiovascular Health

Launched by WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF MEDICINE · Jan 13, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

The ENHANCE-CVH study is focused on improving the heart health of pregnant women and their children in Abuja, Nigeria. The goal of the trial is to help women who are overweight or obese during pregnancy by teaching them and their families about healthy eating and staying active. This will be done through a series of home visits where community health educators will guide participants through a program called Parents as Teachers (PAT) combined with Healthy Eating Active Living Taught at Home (HEALTH). The study will look at whether women in this program lose more weight and adopt healthier lifestyle habits compared to those who do not participate.

To be eligible for the study, women must be at least 18 years old, pregnant with one baby, and have a body mass index (BMI) over 30, which indicates obesity. They should also be planning to deliver at a specific healthcare facility and be willing to participate for two years. Participants will complete surveys and have their health measurements taken at the start, during, and after pregnancy, and they will attend 40 sessions over two years to learn about health and wellness. It's important for potential participants to know that they should not be enrolled in another weight loss program and must be able to engage in physical activity.

Gender

FEMALE

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • •≥18 years of age,
• • Pregnant women under 14 weeks gestation,
• • Singleton gestation,
• • Body mass index \> 30 kg/m2
• • Willing to participate in ENHANCE CVH for 2 years,
• • Planning to receive prenatal care and deliver at either one of the participating primary healthcare, centers or University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, and
• • Able to give informed consent for study participation, understanding she and her child will both be involved.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Current enrollment in a weight loss program,
• • Inability to engage in a walking program,
• • Active substance abuse
• • Treatment with medications known to impact weight (e.g., corticosteroids, antipsychotics),
• • Plan to relocate within the next 2 years, or
• • Unwilling to provide informed consent.