Community-Based Black Impact Program to Improve Cardiovascular Health and Reduce Stress in Black Men

What this Trial Is About

This research investigates a community-based lifestyle intervention called Black Impact, designed to improve cardiovascular health CVH among Black men, who have the shortest life expectancy among non-indigenous groups partly due to lower CVH. The study evaluates Black Impacts effects on CVH and psychosocial stress, aiming to better understand how the program reduces cardiovascular disease risk. This investigation is a randomized, wait-list controlled trial focused on addressing health equity through innovative, multi-modal approaches. The Black Impact intervention lasts 24 weeks and includes weekly 90-minute sessions combining physical activity and health education. Participants join groups based on their location and receive guidance from a health coach, a community health worker addressing social needs and connecting participants to care, and a fitness trainer. The intervention adapts elements from established programs like the Diabetes Prevention Program and the American Heart Associations Check, Change, Control programs. Participants will engage in weekly group sessions and be monitored over 24 weeks for changes in cardiovascular health using the American Heart Associations Lifes Essential 8 metrics. Assessments include stress levels, blood pressure, blood lipids, glucose, body mass index, diet, physical activity, nicotine exposure, sleep health, social functioning, and biological markers such as hair cortisol and gut microbiome health. The study also explores the resources needed to sustain partnerships that support cardiovascular health equity. Participation lasts at least 24 weeks with ongoing evaluation.

Black Impact: The Mechanisms Underlying Psychosocial Stress Reduction in a Cardiovascular Health Intervention