Faith-based Approaches in the Treatment of Hypertension (FAITH)

Faith-based Approaches in the Treatment of Hypertension (FAITH)

The purpose of this study is to test the effect of a church-based lifestyle intervention on blood pressure reduction in 400 hypertensive blacks (BP> 140/90 mm hg).

This study will test the effectiveness of a church-based lifestyle intervention in improving blood pressure control among 400 hypertensive blacks in a group randomized controlled trial. The lifestyle intervention will be delivered by trained lay health advisers through group-based behavioral counseling and motivational interviewing (MINT-TLC) in 24 predominantly black churches in New York City.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age 18 years or older
• Diagnosis of hypertension
• Self-identified Black or African American
• SBP > 140 mmHg or DBP > 90 mmHg (based on the average of 3 blood pressure readings); or average SBP > 130 mm Hg or DBP > 80 mm hg (for those with diabetes or kidney disease) at the screening/baseline visits
• Able to speak English

Exclusion Criteria:

• Unable to comply with the study protocol (either self-selected or by indicating during screening that s/he could not complete all requested tasks).
• Pregnancy