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Volume 1:
No. 2, April 2004
SPECIAL TOPICS IN PUBLIC HEALTH
ORIGINAL RESEARCH: FEATURED
ABSTRACT FROM THE 18TH NATIONAL CONFERENCE ON CHRONIC DISEASE
PREVENTION AND CONTROL
Cost-effective,
Community-based Strategies Targeting Cardiovascular Disease and Diabetes
Risk Factors Among African American Women in Faith-based Environments
C Taylor, L Cole, D Ferdinand, S Arline
Suggested citation for this article: Taylor C,
Cole L, Ferdinand D, Arline S. Cost-effective, community-based strategies targeting
cardiovascular disease and diabetes risk factors among African American
women in faith-based environments [abstract]. Prev Chronic Dis [serial
online] 2004 Apr [date cited]. Available from: URL: http://www.cdc.gov/pcd/issues/2004/
apr/03_0034q.htm.
PEER REVIEWED
The objective of this study was to examine the differences in
heart-health behaviors of African American women in faith-based environments
and the effects of faith-based interventions on behaviors.
Eliminating disparities among racial and ethnic groups and increasing
quality of life and years of healthy life are the major goals of REACH 2010
research demonstration projects. African Americans in Louisiana have
alarming rates of death and disability due to heart disease and diabetes.
Limited data are available on faith-based interventions among African
American women.
Forty churches with memberships ranging from 100 to 15,000 each were
randomized into 3 groups. The Community Health Assessment Program Survey
(CHAPS), similar to the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, was conducted among
1100 African American women 18 years and older. A profile from each church
was used to collect baseline aggregate data. Each group received varied doses of
intervention. All churches received free annual blood pressure, body mass
index, and lipid screening and counseling; screening resources were provided
by community board members. Follow-up survey data were collected to determine the effects
of interventions on reducing risk factors. A comparative analysis was conducted of baseline CHAPS data on 1100
women. Annual follow-up surveys are still in progress.
Participants have reported a need for chronic disease interventions that
address a continuum of risk reduction, including response to emergency events such
as heart attacks and strokes and referrals for rehabilitation
resources. Also, the presence of respected community leaders and
collaborative relationships has empowered REACH 2010: At the Heart of New Orleans to share
resources and expand its reach to communities across the state.
Corresponding Author: Cheryl Taylor, RN, MN, PhD, Principal
Investigator, National Black Women's Health Imperative, REACH 2010: At the Heart
of New Orleans, 1515 Poydoas, Suite 1020, New Orleans, LA 70112. Telephone:
504-680-2810. E-mail: cheyrlt@nbwhp.org.
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