The investigators seek to demonstrate that interactive physician-led education through partnership with an African American church will improve awareness and knowledge of cardiovascular disease in the African American community and will result in objective improvement in major risk factors associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD).
Cardiovascular disease causes significant morbidity and mortality in the African American community. Among African Americans adults almost 1/3 have hypertension, 1/10 have heart disease, 1/20 have coronary heart disease, and 1/30 have had a stroke. Compared to their Caucasian American counterparts, African Americans are 3 times more times as likely to die from cardiovascular diseases than Caucasians, 1.5 times more likely to die from heart failure, and 1.8 times more likely to die from stroke. In addition, both lower socioeconomic position and minority race/ethnicity are associated with poorer health and shortened survival. These alarming statistics highlight the health disparities in the African American community. In our study, the investigators propose that interactive physician-led education through partnership with an African American church will improve awareness and knowledge of CVD in the African American community and will result in objective improvement in major risk factors associated with cardiovascular disease.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
NON_RANDOMIZED
Purpose
PREVENTION
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
45
6 lectures on cardiovascular disease covering obesity, diet \& exercise, smoking cessation, coronary artery disease, hypertension, heart failure, diabetes, peripheral vascular disease, and stroke.
Heritage International Christian Church
Chicago, Illinois, United States
Blood pressure
Change after educational series
Time frame: 2 months
Weight
Change after educational series
Time frame: 2 months
Body mass index
Change after educational series
Time frame: 2 months
Waist Circumference
Change after educational series
Time frame: 2 months
Multiple choice test on cardiovascular disease
The multiple choice test is a 25-question test on general cardiovascular disease knowledge. It covers diet, exercise, smoking, obesity, coronary artery disease, heart failure, diabetes, stroke, and peripheral artery disease. This test is given at the start of the study and after the educational intervention. The overall test scores are compared by percentage correct. The individual questions are examined for group knowledge level on a particular topic. For example, the % correct of the group on a question about diabetes would reflect knowledge of diabetes.
Time frame: 2 months
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.