The Development of Health for Hearts United: A Longitudinal Church-based Intervention to Reduce Cardiovascular Risk in Mid-life and Older African Americans | Zendy

Penny A. Ralston | Zendy; Iris YoungClark | Zendy; Catherine Coccia | Zendy

Open Access

The Development of Health for Hearts United: A Longitudinal Church-based Intervention to Reduce Cardiovascular Risk in Mid-life and Older African Americans

Author(s) -

Penny A. Ralston,

Iris YoungClark,

Catherine Coccia

Publication year - 2017

Publication title -

ethnicity and disease

Language(s) - English

Resource type - Journals

SCImago Journal Rank - 0.767

H-Index - 67

eISSN - 1945-0826

pISSN - 1049-510X

DOI - 10.18865/ed.27.1.21

Subject(s) - transtheoretical model , gerontology , intervention (counseling) , cardiovascular health , longitudinal study , consistency (knowledge bases) , community based participatory research , psychology , medicine , disease , sociology , nursing , participatory action research , computer science , pathology , anthropology , artificial intelligence

This article describes Health for Hearts United, a longitudinal church-based intervention to reduce cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk in mid-life and older African Americans. Using community-based participatory research (CBPR) approaches and undergirded by both the Socio-ecological Theory and the Transtheoretical Model of Behavior Change, the 18-month intervention was developed in six north Florida churches, randomly assigned as treatment or comparison. The intervention was framed around three conceptual components: awareness building (individual knowledge development); clinical learning (individual and small group educational sessions); and efficacy development (recognition and sustainability). We identified three lessons learned: providing consistency in programming even during participant absences; providing structured activities to assist health ministries in sustainability; and addressing changes at the church level. Recommendations include church-based approaches that reflect multi-level CBPR and the collaborative faith model.

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