Assessment of health status among members of two African Americans churches from eastern North Carolina

Objective To assess blood lipids profile, blood pressure (BP) and weight status of African Americans participating in a faith‐based nutrition intervention program. Study Design Blood lipid profile (total [TC], LDL [LDL] and HDL cholesterol [HDL]), BP, BMI, and % of body fat assessment was conducted at two church locations. Sample Participants (n = 62) had the mean (SD) age = 55.86 (9.4). Fifty‐two were females and most (75%) had at least some college education. Principal Findings About 18% of participants had TC 200‐239mg/dl and about 12% had TC > 240mg/dl. Approximately 63% had LDL > 100mg/dl and about 76% had HDL < 60mg/dl. More than half (50.1%) had a systolic BP = 140 and almost 57% had diastolic BP = 80. More than 90% were either overweight or obese (BMI = 25) with almost 71% being obese (BMI = 30). Mean (SD) BMI was 39.78 (6.99). Statistically significant differences in the mean score of diastolic BP (F(df = 1) = 14.04; p < 0.000) and HDL (F(df = 1) = 4.75; p < 0.037) were found. Females had higher mean diastolic BP (85.6 vs. 74.4) and lower HDL values (37.6 vs. 48.8). No statistically significant difference in the rate of BMI = 25between males and females was found (Chi‐square (df = 1) = 0.737; p < 0.617). Conclusion The results indicate that this population could benefit from a comprehensive lifestyle intervention with special focus on weight loss.