Heals: A faith-based hypertension control and prevention program for African American churches

Background & Objectives: Hypertension (HTN), also called high blood pressure (BP) disproportionately affects African Americans (AAs). Lifestyle programs like Dietary Approach to Stop Hypertension” (DASH) diet has been shown to lower systolic BP by 6-14 mmHg, however DASH effectiveness is yet to be determined. In addition in the PREMIER trial, DASH was less effective in AAs in in lowering BP in AAs significantly. Here we present the results of a faith–based socio-culturally tailored, multi-level, HTN control intervention- Healthy Eating And Living Spiritually (HEALS) conducted at a AA church. The objective of HEALS is to promote BP control by healthy lifestyle measures. Methods: After completing several HEALS program activities (development of 9- month HEALS program from DASH and PREMIER programs modification) four church members from the Central Metropolitan CME Church received 10-hr training as program leaders. Study church participants were 25- 75 years, self-described AA with either newly diagnosed HTN (by JNC VII criteria) or known hypertensive. Results: 37 participants were enrolled with mean age of 54 yrs ± 13.7. The mean baseline systolic BP is 137.22 ± 13.763 with a mean diastolic BP of 83.88 ± 9.006. At the end of five sessions of HEALS, a significant reduction was seen in both systolic (123.59 ± 11.353-p < 0.001) and diastolic BP (76.76 ± 6.760-p=0.006) from the baseline. The study is still ongoing. Conclusion: HEALS faith-based approach may be applied successfully to reduce the incidence and complications of HTN in large communities which represents a potentially major impact on public health.