Reducing cardiovascular disease in a rural community

Public Health Nurs. 2019 Sep;36(5):676-682. doi: 10.1111/phn.12649. Epub 2019 Aug 8.

Abstract

In this case report, we describe the one-year formative phase of a five-year study to develop, implement, and test a community health worker (CHW)-delivered cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevention intervention. The purpose of the formative phase was to engage community partners in the adaptation of an existing evidence-based CVD prevention intervention to fit the needs and preferences of a rural, predominantly African-American community. The formative work was guided by a framework for adapting evidence-based interventions and involved engaging stakeholders in assessing the intervention's fit with the local context and then applying assessment findings to iteratively adapt the intervention's contents, materials, and delivery methods. Findings from the formative work were then applied to develop CHW position descriptions, workflow diagrams, and a training plan. Findings also were applied to adapt intervention materials and protocols to fit the needs of the community. This case report illustrates how community-engaged formative work can be applied to adapt an evidence-based intervention to fit community needs and resources.

Keywords: African-Americans; cardiovascular diseases; case report; community health workers; evidence-based intervention; health behavior; health promotion; rural health.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Black or African American
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / prevention & control*
  • Community Health Services / methods*
  • Community Health Workers
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Rural Population
  • Sexual Partners