title: The Development of Health for Hearts United: A Longitudinal Church-based Intervention to Reduce Cardiovascular Risk in Mid-life and Older African Americans.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Center on Better Health and Life for Underserved Populations, Florida State University.
authors.forename: Penny A
authors.initials: PA
authors.lastname: Ralston
authors.affiliation: Center on Better Health and Life for Underserved Populations, Florida State University.
authors.forename: Iris
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Young-Clark
authors.affiliation: Department of Dietetics & Nutrition, Florida International University.
authors.forename: Catherine
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Coccia
mesh_terms: D001741:Black or African American; D000368:Aged; D000066949:Biobehavioral Sciences; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000208:ethnology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D055812:Community-Based Participatory Research; D005260:Female; D005431:Florida; D015438:Health Behavior; D006293:Health Promotion; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009765:Obesity / Q000150:complications / Q000208:ethnology / Q000517:prevention & control; D012068:Religion and Medicine; D018570:Risk Assessment
keywords: African Americans; Cardiovascular Disease; Church-based Health; Community-Based Participatory Research; Longitudinal Intervention; Older Adults