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Community-based Participatory Research in Cardiovascular Disease Prevention for Middle-aged Women: A Systematic
1Nursing Department, College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia.
Insights
Community-based participatory research (CBPR) effectively reduces cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk in midlife women through culturally relevant interventions. This approach improves health equity by addressing disparities in underserved populations.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Health Equity
- Community-Based Research
Background:
- Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a major health concern for women, especially those of childbearing age and middle-aged women.
- Women of color and those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds experience disproportionately higher CVD risks.
- Physiological changes, stress, and systemic barriers exacerbate CVD risk in women.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of community-based participatory research (CBPR) in mitigating CVD risk among midlife women.
- To emphasize the critical role of cultural relevance in the success of health interventions.
- To identify key determinants for successful CVD risk reduction strategies in diverse populations.
Main Methods:
- A systematic literature search following PRISMA guidelines was conducted across PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science.
- Fifteen studies, including RCTs, PBPRs, and mixed-methods research, were analyzed.
- Interventions focused on diet, physical activity, stress management, and community engagement, with outcomes including blood pressure, cholesterol, BMI, and glucose levels.
Main Results:
- CBPR interventions led to significant reductions in systolic (7 mmHg) and diastolic (4 mmHg) blood pressure, LDL cholesterol (10-15 mg/dL), and BMI (0.5-1.2 kg/m²).
- HDL cholesterol increased by 5-8 mg/dL.
- Culturally tailored interventions, emphasizing dietary changes, group exercise, and peer support, improved adherence and sustained behavioral changes, highlighting the importance of cultural relevance, trust, and community ownership.
Conclusions:
- Community-based participatory research (CBPR) demonstrates significant potential for reducing cardiovascular disease risk and addressing health disparities.
- Expanding CBPR initiatives and implementing long-term interventions are crucial for enhancing health equity.
- Sustained efforts in culturally relevant, community-driven research can yield lasting health benefits for diverse populations.
Background:
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among women, particularly those of childbearing age and middle-aged women, who face heightened risks due to physiological changes, stress and systemic barriers. Women of colour and those from low socioeconomic backgrounds are disproportionately affected.
Aim:
This article evaluates the effectiveness of community-based participatory research (CBPR) in reducing CVD risk among midlife women, emphasizing the cultural relevance of interventions as a critical factor for success.
Methodology:
Following the PRISMA guidelines, a systematic search of PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science identified 15 studies, including randomized controlled trials, practice-based participatory research (PBPRs) and mixed-methods research. These studies implemented CBPR interventions focusing on diet, physical activity, stress management and community participation for underserved populations. Outcomes measured included systolic and diastolic blood pressure, serum cholesterol, Body Mass Index (BMI) and fasting blood glucose, as well as participants' knowledge, behaviours and perceived community capacity.
Results:
The analysis showed reductions in systolic and diastolic blood pressure (7 and 4 mmHg, respectively), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (10-15 mg/dL) and BMI (0.5-1.2 kg/m²), along with increases in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (5-8 mg/dL). Culturally tailored interventions, such as dietary adjustments, group exercise and peer support, demonstrated improved compliance and maintenance of behavioural changes. Patterns of cultural relevance, trust and community ownership emerged as key determinants of success. CBPR offers significant potential for addressing health disparities and reducing CVD risk.
Conclusion:
Expanding CBPR approaches and conducting long-term interventions can enhance health equity and achieve lasting benefits across diverse populations.
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