Feasibility test of an evidence-based weight loss intervention translated for a faith-based, rural, African-American population

Background: Obesity is a national public health problem, with African-American and rural residents bearing a disproportionate burden. Innovative approaches to address obesity that are sensitive to the unique issues of rural African Americans are needed. Faith-based and community-based participatory approaches show promise for engaging racial/ethnic minority communities to change health outcomes, but few faith-based weight loss interventions have used a community-based participatory approach.

Methods: A faith-based weight loss intervention in the Arkansas Lower Mississippi Delta arose from a 5-year partnership between academic and community partners representing over 30 churches and community organizations. Community and academic partners translated the 16 core sessions of the Diabetes Prevention Program for rural, African-American, church-going adults. The feasibility of the lay-health advisor-led adapted 16-week (January-May 2010) intervention was assessed in 26 participants from three churches through measuring recruitment, program retention, ease of implementation, changes in participant outcomes, and program satisfaction.

Results: Seventy-nine percent of participants provided 16-week follow-up data. Lay health advisors reported the ease of implementing all program aspects except the self-monitoring component. Participants providing final data lost an average of -2.7% (SD=5.78%) or -2.34 (SD=5.46) kilograms from baseline to 16-week follow-up. Participants reported enjoying the spiritual and group-based aspects of the program, and difficulties with keeping track of foods consumed. The intervention engaged community partners in the research process, strengthened community-academic partnerships, and built community capacity.

Conclusion: This study demonstrates the feasibility of delivering this adapted intervention by lay-leaders through rural churches.