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.

Keywords: African Americans; Cardiovascular Disease; Church-based Health; Community-Based Participatory Research; Longitudinal Intervention; Older Adults.

Conflict of interest statement

Conflicts of Interest: None declared.

Figures

Figure 1.. Health for Hearts United Model

Figure 2.. Description of Health for Hearts United intervention

a. Ongoing programming referred to any health programs that the treatment churches continued independently during the course of the intervention. Examples included: newsletters initiated by the health ministry; health messages integrated into women’s ministry events; and Health Sundays where health messages were incorporated into services.