Ellenton

Researchers are evaluating a peer support and community resource navigation program called Sisters of Heart (Hermanas de Corazón) to improve psychological well-being and reduce cardiometabolic risk among rural, migrant, low-income farmworker women aged 18 to 45. This study focuses on how the intervention affects stress, social isolation, psychological distress, and heart health measured by the American Heart Association's Life's Essential 8 score. The research compares the Sisters of Heart program led by community health workers to a Basic intervention providing health assessments and resource information. The Sisters of Heart intervention involves ten weekly in-person peer support group sessions lasting 60 to 75 minutes, led by trained community health workers with groups of 6 to 10 women. Sessions cover heart health topics, stress management, and personalized subjects based on participant needs. Community health workers also offer individualized support through direct navigation to community resources. The Basic intervention includes heart health assessments, lab results, written and online health education, stress management materials, and information about local clinics and resources. Participants will attend study visits to assess changes in cardiometabolic health, diet, physical activity, nicotine use, sleep, body mass index, blood lipids, blood sugar control, and blood pressure from baseline through 3 to 9 months. Researchers will use surveys and group discussions to track social support, stress, and access to resources. The study includes monitoring over several months to evaluate the intervention's impact on heart health and social well-being in this underserved population.