Annals of behavioral medicine : a publication of the Society of Behavioral Medicine
Social network intervention for cardiovascular risk reduction among Hispanic and Somali adults: a cluster randomized trial
By Wieland ML, Molina L, Goodson M and 16 others.
Abstract
Background
Immigrants to the United States often face challenges from limited healthcare access and less healthy environments which contribute to rising obesity and cardiovascular risk.
Purpose
To assess the feasibility and effectiveness of a community-based social network intervention for cardiovascular risk reduction among Hispanic and Somali adults.
Methods
A social network-informed, community-based participatory research-derived health promotion intervention was delivered by Hispanic and Somali lay health promoters (HPs) to members of their social networks over 1 year (12 biweekly sessions in months 0-6; 12 biweekly check-ins in months 7-12). Using a closed-cohort stepped wedge cluster randomized design, social networks were randomly assigned to receive the intervention immediately or after a delay of 1 year. Measurements at baseline, 6 months, and 12 months were derived from 6 of the American Heart Association's "Life's Simple 7": BMI, blood pressure, fasting glucose, cholesterol, physical activity and dietary quality (range 0-12, with higher values indicating lower cardiovascular risk). Waist circumference and proportion of participants who achieved >5% body weight loss were also assessed.