A Targeted Self-Management Approach for Reducing Stroke Risk Factors in African American Men Who Have Had a Stroke or...

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Health
• Preventive Medicine
• Health Disparities

Background:

• Stroke risk remains high in African American men.
• Effective interventions are needed to manage modifiable risk factors in this population.
• Self-management programs show promise for chronic disease management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of a novel self-management intervention (TEAM) compared to treatment as usual (TAU) for reducing stroke risk in African American men.
• To assess the impact of the TEAM intervention on cardiovascular biomarkers, health behaviors, and quality of life.

Main Methods:

• A 6-month prospective randomized controlled trial was conducted with 38 African American men (age < 65) with a history of stroke or TIA.
• Participants were randomized to either the TEAM intervention (self-management training in group and individual sessions) or TAU.
• Outcomes including blood pressure, HbA1c, lipids, medication adherence, and health behaviors were measured at baseline, 3, and 6 months.

Main Results:

• TEAM participants showed a significant reduction in mean systolic blood pressure by 24 weeks compared to TAU.
• Improvements in glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol were observed in the TEAM group (P = .03).
• Qualitative data indicated increased risk factor awareness and benefits from group support among TEAM participants.

Conclusions:

• The TargetEd MAnageMent Intervention (TEAM) is a promising approach to reduce stroke risk in African American men.
• The intervention effectively lowered key cardiovascular risk factors and enhanced patient understanding of their health.
• Further research with larger sample sizes is warranted to confirm these findings and explore long-term effects.