Rural Chronic Disease Risk Reduction

Reducing Chronic Disease Risk Among Rural Adults

This study tests a web-based chronic disease risk reduction lifestyle medicine intervention among rural adults.

The impact of chronic diseases has important implications for public health presently and in the future. The prevalence of chronic diseases is expected to rise with subsequent increases in mortality, morbidity, and health care costs. This proposed pilot project involves testing an adapted evidence-based lifestyle medicine (health promotion and disease risk reduction) curriculum using a web-based delivery format and determine its impact and efficacy among rural participants. The project is expected to contribute to improved human health by promoting healthy behaviors that reduce the development, progression, and exacerbation of chronic diseases.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. be at least 18 years of age,
2. reside in a rural southern county (RUCC 4-9),
3. speak, write, and understand English,
4. have access to a computer with internet service or smartphone with cellular data,
5. have the ability to access the Zoom platform, and f) have at least one chronic disease risk factor or diagnosis (diabetes, prediabetes, overweight, smoker, hypertension, family history of cancer, diabetes, heart disease, elevated cholesterol level, overweight or obese, etc.).

Exclusion Criteria:

• not from a rural area
• younger than 18