Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #115499

Rose Jackman Savage, MPH¹, Nancy Victor, MPA, MHS², John Nicasio, DO³, Wayne Henry, BS⁴, Lorraine Braithwaite-Harte, BS⁴, and Samy McFarlane, MD, MPH³. (1) Department of Orthopedic Surgery and Rehab. Medicine/Sports Medicine, State University of New York Downstate Medical Center, 450 Clarkson Av. Box 29, Brooklyn, NY 11203, 718-270-4786, ROSE_JACKMAN@DOWNSTATE.EDU, (2) A Healthy Downstate, State University of New York Downstate Medical Center, 450 Clarkson Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11203, (3) Department of Medicine, State University of New York Downstate Medical Center, 450 Clarkson Av. Box 50, Brooklyn, NY 11203, (4) A Healthy Downstate Program, State University of New York Downstate Medical Center, 450 Clarkson Av. Box 29, Brooklyn, NY 11226

Objectives: Recent evidence indicates that lifestyle interventions are frequently provided in faith-based organizations (FBO). However, evidence to the effectiveness of these interventions is lacking or scarce. Our objective was to examine the effect of applying evidence-based research tools: hypothesis, design and statistical plans in assessing the effectiveness of reducing risks for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Methods: Prospective study with a peer-mediated program provided to a church congregation to collectively improve health and physical fitness. The program consisted of lectures, small support groups and exercise classes over a 12-week period. Demographic and laboratory data were collected using lab and nursing staff from a university hospital and health outcomes were monitored by church members who volunteered their services. Data is provided as the mean (±SEM). Results: Of the 87 participants, 73 (83.9%) were women and 86% were between the ages of 31-64 years, African American represented 56%, Caribbean Americans 18.6%. BMI (kg/m²) was 34.5±0.99 at baseline & 34.42±0.98 at the completion of the program (P=NS). Blood glucose (BG) was 92.4%±4.1 (mg/dl) and decreased to 85.4±2.0 (p=0.04). Total cholesterol 215.7±5.9 mg/dl & decreased to 193±4.3 (p<0.01). Systolic BP was 125(mmHg)± 1.9 & 122±2.2 (P =NS). Diastolic BP was 82±1.1 & 76±1.2 mmHg (P<0.01). Conclusion: Applying evidence based research tools in a FBO provides support for the effectiveness of lifestyle interventions in improving BG, BP and cholesterol levels. Monitoring of participants' health outcomes can be achieved through the use of church members.

Learning Objectives:

) At the conclusion of the sessions the participants will be able to apply evidence based research tools to evaluate health promotion outcomes in a FBO.
• Participants will learn how to recruit and train church volunteers in monitoring a program participant’s health outcomes.

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.

Recorded presentation