Problem-solving intervention to reduce risk of cardiovascular disease in adults with complicated lives: Cardiovascular Health Intervention Research and Translation Network

The 6 academic-community member centers of the CDC-funded Cardiovascular Health Intervention Research and Translation Network (Universities of Colorado Denver, Illinois at Chicago, North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Rochester, and Washington and West Virginia University) conducted focus groups in 2007 with members of their ethnically and geographically diverse partner communities to assess knowledge of cardiovascular health, disease risk factors, and prevention. Results identified a substantial cohort of adults, primarily women, with complicated lives (work, home, multi-generational responsibilities) who have good knowledge of cardiovascular disease risk and healthy behaviors that reduce that risk but don't have time or motivation to apply the knowledge to self care. Three of the centers (Colorado, North Carolina, West Virginia), with community input, adapted an existing problem-solving curriculum to address heart healthy behaviors and weight loss. Topics include identifying problem areas (diet, physical activity, weight loss, managing stress), setting goals, identifying options and barriers, establishing a plan, evaluating successes and failures, and focusing on positive things to stay on track. Four groups of women (two each in Colorado in worksite settings, n= 22, and North Carolina in church-community settings, n= 28) and two groups of married couples (West Virginia in community settings, n= 31) pilot tested the 7-8-session intervention for feasibility and acceptability in fall 2009. Participants reported liking the program and the small-group format with a focus on problem solving. Although numbers were small, initial results suggest a positive effect on health behaviors.