Cardiovascular Health Promotion Among African-Americans by FAITH!

Cardiovascular Health Promotion Among African-Americans by FAITH! (Fostering African-American Improvement in Total Health): Engaging the Community Through Mobile Technology-assisted Education

Given the importance of healthy lifestyle practices to cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevention and the utility of church-based interventions in African-American adults, the investigators developed a theory-informed, strategically-planned, health and wellness intervention with Rochester, Minnesota (MN) and Twin Cities area (Minneapolis, St. Paul, MN) churches with predominately African-American congregations. The objective of the study was to partner with churches to implement a multi-component, health education program through the use of core educational sessions delivered through a digital-application accessible on demand via interactive access on computer tablets and the Internet. The overarching goal was to increase the awareness and critical importance of healthy lifestyles for CVD prevention and provide support for behavior change.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Basic Internet navigation skills, at least weekly Internet access, active email address, minimal fruit/vegetable intake (<5 servings/day), no regular physical activity program (< 30 minutes/d of moderate physical activity), able to engage in moderate physical activity (no restrictions)

Exclusion Criteria:

• Diagnosis of a serious medical condition or disability that would make participation difficult (i.e. visual or hearing impairment, mental disability that would preclude independent use of the app)