An interactive technology enhanced coaching intervention for Black women with hypertension: Randomized controlled...

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Health
• Health Disparities
• Chronic Disease Management

Background:

• Hypertension (HTN) is a primary risk factor for cardiovascular disease in the U.S.
• Blacks, particularly Black women, experience a disproportionately high prevalence and burden of HTN.
• Effective self-management strategies are crucial for improving blood pressure (BP) control in this population.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of the Chronic Disease Self-Management Program (CDSMP) combined with interactive technology-enhanced coaching for improving HTN self-management among Black women.
• To compare BP control and treatment adherence in Black women receiving CDSMP plus technology coaching versus CDSMP alone.
• To empower Black women in actively managing their hypertension through novel intervention methods.

Main Methods:

• A two-arm randomized controlled trial with repeated measures at 3, 6, and 9 months.
• Enrolled 90 community-dwelling Black women with uncontrolled Stage 1 HTN (BP ≥ 130/80 mmHg).
• Participants completed CDSMP training before randomization to either the combined intervention or CDSMP alone.

Main Results:

• The study is designed to assess improvements in BP control and adherence to treatment (medication, physical activity, diet, weight management).
• Repeated measurements will provide data on the sustained effects of the interventions over 9 months.
• The findings will elucidate the comparative efficacy of the two intervention arms.

Conclusions:

• This research aims to identify effective strategies for hypertension self-management tailored to Black women.
• The study will contribute valuable insights into leveraging technology to enhance chronic disease self-management.
• Findings are expected to inform future interventions aimed at reducing cardiovascular health disparities.