Community-engaged and community-based participatory research to promote American Heart Association Life's Simple 7 among African American adults: A systematic review

Intervention Fidelity in a Virtual Community Participatory Research Trial

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this report is to describe approaches used to ensure fidelity in the B-SWELL feasibility trial.

METHODS

A virtual randomized feasibility trial was conducted. Intervention fidelity was evaluated in accordance with Borrelli's five principles of fidelity: design, training, delivery, receipt, and enactment. In addition to the rigorous oversight by the research team, tools were developed or adapted for the virtual trial. Tools used in the trial included a Visual Analog Attendee Engagement Tool, weekly feedback surveys, audio recordings, a facilitator's checklist, an overall satisfaction survey, and a technology survey.

RESULTS

Using Borrelli's framework for treatment fidelity, the researchers noted high ratings from the overall satisfaction survey, designed to assess ongoing participant satisfaction with the intervention materials and continued enactment. The tools successfully guided the intervention process from design to enactment.

DISCUSSION

Adherence to Borrelli's principles of fidelity enables rigorous oversight of an intervention and its delivery. The growing use of technology to deliver programmed interventions requires that tools be adapted and created to monitor fidelity. Validation of the research-developed and -adapted tools is recommended in a larger trial.

Community-Based Physical Activity Programs for Blood Pressure Management in African Americans: A Scoping Review

BACKGROUND

Hypertension is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease, with a higher prevalence among African Americans (AA) than other racial groups. The impact of community-based interventions on managing blood pressure (BP) in AA communities is not fully understood. The purpose of this review was to synthesize literature on community-based physical activity (PA) programs designed to manage BP in AA populations.

METHODS

We conducted a scoping review by searching 4 databases (PubMed, CINAHL, MEDLINE, and APA PsycInfo) and reference lists of studies. Search terms included community PA, community-based, hypertension, high BP, AA, Black Americans, PA, and exercise. Inclusion criteria were studies (1) conducted in the United States and (2) published in English language from January 2013 to September 2023, with community-based interventions that included PA for BP management among AA aged ≥18 years.

RESULTS

Search results yielded 260 studies, of which 11 met the inclusion criteria. BP decreased over time in studies that incorporated PA, faith-based therapeutic lifestyle changes with nutritional education. The duration of the PA interventions varied, with moderate to vigorous PAs implemented for 12 weeks or longer having a greater impact on BP management.

CONCLUSIONS

Evidence suggests that community-based PA programs can potentially reduce BP among AA. PA programs incorporating faith-based therapeutic lifestyle change with nutritional education appear to reduce BP. Practitioners should consider multicomponent community-based PA initiatives to improve BP outcomes in AA communities.

Design and rationale of the social determinants of the risk of hypertension in women of reproductive age (SAFE HEART) study: An American Heart Association research goes red initiative

BACKGROUND

Cardiovascular health literacy (CVHL) and social determinants of health (SDoH) play interconnected and critical roles in shaping cardiovascular health (CVH) outcomes. However, awareness of CVH risk has declined markedly, from 65% of women being aware that cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death for women in 2009 to just 44% being aware in 2019. The American Heart Association Research Goes Red (RGR) initiative seeks to develop an open-source, longitudinal, dynamic registry that will help women to be aware of and participate in research studies, and to learn about CVD prevention. We proposed to leverage this platform, particularly among Black and Hispanic women of reproductive age, to address CVHL gaps and advance health equity.

METHODS

The primary objective of the study is to evaluate the cross-sectional association of CVHL, SDoH using a polysocial score, and CVH in women of reproductive age at increased risk of developing hypertension (HTN). To achieve this we will use a cross-sectional study design, that engages women already enrolled in the RGR registry (registry-enrolled). To enhance the racial and ethnic/social economic diversity of the cohort, we will additionally enroll 300 women from the Baltimore and Washington D.C. community into the Social Determinants of the Risk of Hypertension in Women of Reproductive Age (SAFE HEART) Study. Community-enrolled and registry-enrolled women will undergo baseline social phenotyping including detailed SDoH questionnaire, CVH metrics assessment, and CVHL assessment. The secondary objective is to assess whether a 4-month active health education intervention will result in a change in CVHL in the 300 community-enrolled women.

DISCUSSION

The SAFE HEART study examines the association between CVHL, SDoH, and CVH, with a focus on racial and ethnic minority groups and socioeconomically disadvantaged women of reproductive age, and the ability to improve these parameters by an educational intervention. These findings will inform the future development of community-engaged strategies that address CVHL and SDoH among women of reproductive age.

Testing the 'Faith Moves Mountains model' to increase Alzheimer's disease awareness, detection, and diagnosis among rural, racially, and ethnically diverse older adults

OBJECTIVES

Racially and ethnically diverse populations have recently contributed to the majority of rural and small-town growth. Consequently, the disproportionately high risk and prevalence of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD) among rural and minoritized older residents will likely increase. To address this threat, we tested the hypotheses that (1) a faith-based, resident-led approach would increase basic ADRD knowledge and diagnosis, and (2) older age, female gender, lower educational levels, and more years lived rural would predict number of referrals, new dementia diagnoses, and treatment.

METHODS

An adaptation of Schoenberg's Faith Moves Mountains model, previously successful in detection and management of other chronic illnesses in rural settings, guided this community-based participatory research. Local faith community members were trained as research assistants to recruit, administer surveys, conduct brief memory assessments, teach brain health strategies, and follow-up with residents. Outreaches were offered virtually during the pandemic, then in-person monthly at rotating church sites, and repeated ∼1 year later.

RESULTS

This rural sample was racially and ethnically diverse (74.5% non-White), with 28% reporting eight or less years of formal education. Findings included that referrals and years lived rural were significant and positive predictors of new ADRD treatments [(b = 3.74, χ2(1, n = 235) = 13.01, p < 0.001); (b = 0.02, χ2(1, n = 235 = 3.93, p = 0.048)], respectively, regardless of participant characteristics.

CONCLUSION

Resident-led action research in rural, diverse, faith communities is a successful approach to increasing ADRD disease knowledge, detection, diagnosis, and treatment.

Cardiovascular Health and Colorectal Cancer Screening in Black Men: A Cross-Sectional Analysis

African American/Black (henceforth Black) men face disproportionate risks of morbidity and mortality from both cardiovascular disease (CVD) and colorectal cancer (CRC). The American Heart Association's Life's Simple 7 (LS7) tool was designed to examine predictors of CVD with included behaviors also linked to CRC risk (i.e., smoking status, weight, diet, and physical activity). However, no studies have combined LS7 assessment alongside CRC screening history, which serves as a proxy for assessing CRC risk, in Black men. In this study, Black men aged 45-75 participating in annual community wellness events were screened for 6 of 7 LS7 measures (excluding diet, LS6) and self-reported CRC screening. Analyses conducted using R 4.0.5. revealed that Black men (N = 680), with an average age of 57.3 years (SD = 7.5), reported poor (39.7%), intermediate (34.6%), or ideal (25.7%) LS6 scores with higher scores corresponding to lower risk for CVD. However, for every 1-point increase in LS6 scores (0-6), there was a 26% lower odds of reported CRC screening (p = .001). In the fully adjusted model, men with 4+ ideal LS6 behaviors had a 60% lower odds of self-reported CRC screening compared to those with two ideal LS6 behaviors (p < .001). These findings underscore the need for culturally relevant interventions for Black men across all levels of cardiovascular health (CVH) to increase CRC screening uptake.

More than Just a Number: Perspectives from Black Male Participants on Community-Based Interventions and Clinical Trials to Address Cardiovascular Health Disparities

BACKGROUND

Black Americans remain significantly underrepresented and understudied in research. Community-based interventions have been increasingly recognized as an effective model for reckoning with clinical trial participation challenges amongst underrepresented groups, yet a paucity of studies implement this approach. The present study sought to gain insight into Black male participants' perception of clinical trials before and after participating in a community-based team lifestyle intervention in the United States.

METHODS

Black Impact, a 24-week community-based lifestyle intervention, applied the American Heart Association's Life's Simple 7 (LS7) framework to assess changes in the cardiovascular health of seventy-four Black male participants partaking in weekly team-based physical activities and LS7-themed education and having their social needs addressed. A subset of twenty participants completed an exit survey via one of three semi-structured focus groups aimed at understanding the feasibility of interventions, including their perceptions of participating in clinical trials. Data were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using a content analysis, which involved systematically identifying, coding, categorizing, and interpreting the primary patterns of the data.

RESULTS

The participants reported a positive change in their perceptions of clinical trials based on their experience with a community-based lifestyle intervention. Three prominent themes regarding their perceptions of clinical trials prior to the intervention were as follows: (1) History of medical abuse; (2) Lack of diversity amongst research teams and participants; and (3) A positive experience with racially concordant research teams. Three themes noted to influence changes in their perception of clinical trials based on their participation in Black Impact were as follows: (1) Building trust with the research team; (2) Increasing awareness about clinical trials; and (3) Motivating participation through community engagement efforts.

CONCLUSIONS

Improved perceptions of participating in clinical trials were achieved after participation in a community-based intervention. This intervention may provide a framework by which to facilitate clinical trial participation among Black men, which must be made a priority so that Black men are "more than just a number" and no longer "receiving the short end of the stick".

Cardiovascular Disease Incidence and Cardiovascular Health Among Diverse Women With Breast and Gynecologic Cancers

OBJECTIVES

To examine if racial differences in cardiovascular health (CVH) are associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD) disparities among women with breast and gynecologic cancers.

SAMPLE & SETTING

The sample consisted of 252 Black women and 93 White women without a self-reported history of cancer or CVD who developed a breast or gynecologic malignancy. Women who developed CVD before their cancer diagnosis were excluded.

METHODS & VARIABLES

CVH was classified using metrics of the American Heart Association's Life's Simple 7 framework. Metrics were summed to create a total CVH score (0-7). Associations among race, ideal CVH (score of 5-7), and CVD incidence following cancer diagnosis were estimated with Cox proportional hazards models.

RESULTS

Ideal CVH was similar between Black women (33%) and White women (37%). Race and CVH were not associated with CVD incidence.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING

In a small sample of women diagnosed with breast and gynecologic cancers, racial disparities in CVH and CVD incidence were not observed. Additional investigation of potential confounders relating to social determinants of health tied to the construct of race is warranted.

An in-person and technology-implemented holistic health promotion program for older Black adults in low-income communities

The COVID-19 pandemic halted many in-person programs of research and required researchers to pivot to technology-enhanced approaches. To date, there are no examples or guidelines on how to use technology to implement health promotion programs rooted in the community-based participatory research (CBPR) model among low-income older Black adults. The aims of this paper are (a) to describe and report on the health-related outcomes of an in-person CBPR model-based health promotion intervention program for older Black adults in a low-income community, and (b) to describe the process of adapting this program to a technology-enhanced and Zoom-delivered format and provide preliminary evidence on the health-related outcomes and acceptability of this program. This paper highlights the potential benefits of a technology-enhanced and Zoom-delivered health promotion program among low-income older Black adults and provides recommendations to optimize such efforts to foster these benefits. These recommendations are aligned with the four domains of the CBPR model (i.e., contexts, partnership processes, intervention and research, and outcomes). We conclude that CBPR model-based, technology implemented health promotion interventions for low-income older Black adults are acceptable to such adults and should attend to the values, perspectives, and preferences of these individuals. The information in this manuscript is relevant to health promotion specialists at this seemingly ongoing though post-pandemic era because technology-enhanced interventions are scalable and cost-effective and those anchored in CBPR are well-positioned to promote health equity.

Improving mental health in black men through a 24-week community-based lifestyle change intervention: the black impact program

BACKGROUND

Poor mental health is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among Black men in the United States. Efforts to improve mental health among Black men have been hampered by a lack of access and utilization of mental health services. Physical activity and social networks have been shown to improve mental health. Thus, we examined the effect of a community team-based physical activity, health education and social needs intervention among Black men on mental health over 24 weeks.

METHODS

Black adult males (n = 74) from a large Midwestern city participated in Black Impact, a 24-week community-based lifestyle change program adapted from the Diabetes Prevention Program and American Heart Association's (AHA) Check, Change, Control Blood Pressure Self-Management Program, which incorporates AHA's Life's Simple 7 (LS7) framework. Measures of mental health including the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D), Patient Health Questionnaire 2-question depression screener (PHQ-2), and Perceived Stress Scale-10 (PSS-10) were completed at baseline, 12 and 24 weeks. The change in mental health scores from baseline to 12 and 24 weeks were evaluated using linear mixed-effects models adjusting for age, education, and income. The change in cardiovascular health scores, defined as objective metrics of LS7 (LS5 [blood pressure, total cholesterol, fasting glucose, body mass index and smoking]), by baseline mental health were evaluated using linear mixed-effects models with an interaction term (time*baseline mental health variable) and a random intercept for each participant.

RESULTS

Among 71 Black men (mean age 51, 85% employed) at 24 weeks, CES-D scores decreased from 10.54 to 7.90 (-2.64, 95%CI:-4.74, -0.55), PHQ-2 decreased from 1.04 to 0.63 (-0.41, 95%CI: -0.75, -0.07), and PSS-10 decreased from 14.62 to 12.91 (-1.71, 95%CI: -3.53, 0.12). A 1-unit higher CES-D at baseline was associated with less improvement in LS5 scores by -0.04 (95%CI: -0.076, -0.005) and - 0.032 (95%CI:-0.067, 0.003) units at week 12 and 24, respectively, with similar findings for PSS.

CONCLUSIONS

The Black Impact community-based lifestyle program has the potential to reduce depressive symptoms and stress in Black men. There is a dire need for larger, randomized studies to test the impact of Black Impact on mental health in Black men to advance health equity.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Retrospectively Registered, ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04787978.

Opportunities to Increase Science of Diversity and Inclusion in Clinical Trials: Equity and a Lack of a Control

The United States witnessed a nearly 4-fold increase in personal health care expenditures between 1980 and 2010. Despite innovations and obvious benefits to health, participants enrolled in clinical trials still do not accurately represent the racial and ethnic composition of patients nationally or globally. This lack of diversity in cohorts limits the generalizability and significance of results among all populations and has deep repercussions for patient equity. To advance diversity in clinical trials, robust evidence for the most effective strategies for recruitment of diverse participants is needed. A major limitation of previous literature on clinical trial diversity is the lack of control or comparator groups for different strategies. To date, interventions have focused primarily on (1) community-based interventions, (2) institutional practices, and (3) digital health systems. This review article outlines prior intervention strategies across these 3 categories and considers health policy and ethical incentives for substantiation before US Food and Drug Administration approval. There are no current studies that comprehensively compare these interventions against one another. The American Heart Association Strategically Focused Research Network on the Science of Diversity in Clinical Trials represents a multicenter, collaborative network between Stanford School of Medicine and Morehouse School of Medicine created to understand the barriers to diversity in clinical trials by contemporaneous head-to-head interventional strategies accessing digital, institutional, and community-based recruitment strategies to produce informed recruitment strategies targeted to improve underrepresented patient representation in clinical trials.

Advancing Equity in Diabetes Prevention, Treatment, and Outcomes: Delivering on Our Values

Diabetes inequities exist from diabetes prevention to outcomes and are rooted in the social drivers (determinants) of health. Historical policies such as "redlining" have adversely affected diabetes prevalence, control, and outcomes for decades. Advancing diabetes equity requires multimodal approaches, addressing both individual-level diabetes education, self-management, and treatment along with addressing social needs, and working to improve upstream drivers of health. All individuals affected by diabetes must advocate for policies to advance diabetes equity at the organizational, local, state, and federal levels. Centering diabetes efforts and interventions on equity will improve diabetes treatment and care for all.

Community-Based Interventions to Address Disparities in Cardiometabolic Diseases Among Minoritized Racial and Ethnic Groups

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Cardiometabolic diseases (CMDs) are leading causes of death and disproportionally impact historically marginalized racial/ethnic groups in the United States. The American Heart Association developed the Life's Essential 8 (LE8) to promote optimal cardiovascular health (CVH) through eight health behaviors and health factors. The purpose of this review is to summarize contemporary community-engaged research (CER) studies incorporating the LE8 framework among racial/ethnic groups.

REVIEW OF FINDINGS

Limited studies focused on the interface of CER and LE8. Based on synthesis of articles in this review, the application of CER to individual/collective LE8 metrics may improve CVH and reduce CMDs at the population level. Effective strategies include integration of technology, group activities, cultural/faith-based practices, social support, and structural/environmental changes. CER studies addressing LE8 factors in racial/ethnic groups play an essential role in improving CVH. Future studies should focus on broader scalability and health policy interventions to advance health equity.

State-Level Cardiovascular Mortality Rates Among Hispanic, Non-Hispanic Black, and Non-Hispanic White Populations, 1990 to 2019

Importance

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in the US, with considerable variation by both state and race and ethnicity group. Consistent, comparable measures of mortality by specific CVD cause at the state level and by race and ethnicity have not previously been available and are necessary for supporting policy decisions aimed at reducing health inequities.

Objective

To quantify and describe levels and trends of mortality due to overall CVD and its component causes for 3 mutually exclusive race and ethnicity groups and by state.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This cross-sectional study used Census data, population surveys, and US vital registration records to estimate cause-specific cardiovascular mortality by state and by the following race and ethnicity groups, defined by the US Office of Management and Budget: Hispanic of any race, non-Hispanic Black (hereafter, Black), and non-Hispanic White (hereafter, White). Data were analyzed from January 2020 to September 2022.

Exposures

State of residence at time of death; Hispanic ethnicity and Black or White race.

Main Outcomes and Measures

CVD death counts and mortality rates.

Results

An estimated 25 397 029 persons died of cardiovascular diseases from 1990 to 2019. The mean (SD) age of individuals was 78.20 (14.01); 13 087 290 individuals (51.53%) were female and 12 309 739 (48.47%) were male; 2 921 650 (11.50%) were Black, 1 159 498 (4.57%) were Hispanic, and 21 315 880 (83.93%) were White. Age-standardized CVD mortality per 100 000 persons in 2019 was 194.4 (95% uncertainty interval [UI], 172.7 to 207.4), 107.7 (95% UI, 92.9 to 121.4), and 153.8 (95% UI, 133.8 to 163.8) among Black, Hispanic, and White populations, respectively. The median (IQR) percentage change across states was smaller for 2010 to 2019 compared with 1990 to 2000 for both White female and White male populations (-6.8 [-10.1 to -4.3] vs -10.2 [-12.9 to -5.9] and -4.6 [-8.6 to -2.5] vs -16.5 [-19.3 to -15.4]). For the Black and Hispanic groups, the percentage change (IQR) was larger for the female populations for the latter time period (-15.1 [-18.9 to -11.7] vs -12.6 [-19.6 to -7.8] and -23.5 [-29.2 to -18.5] vs -8.2 [-17.8 to 5.96]). The converse was observed among male individuals in both groups, with smaller percentage change (IQR) values in 2010 to 2019 compared with 1990 to 2000 (-13.1 [-18.7 to -8.6] vs -18.6 [-25.5 to -14.7] among the Black male population and -20.4 [-25.6 to -15.6] vs -21.5 [-31.1 to -5.7] among the Hispanic male population). There was substantial variability at the state level for death due to total CVD and component causes in 2019 and changes in CVD mortality from 1990 through 2019.

Conclusions and Relevance

The findings of this study indicate that CVD mortality varied widely by state and race and ethnicity group. Changes over the time period were not consistent for all groups and varied by cardiovascular subcause. These results highlight ongoing health disparities in cardiovascular mortality.

Addressing non-medical health-related social needs through a community-based lifestyle intervention during the COVID-19 pandemic: The Black Impact program

BACKGROUND

Non-medical health-related social needs (social needs) are major contributors to worse health outcomes and may have an adverse impact on cardiovascular risk factors and cardiovascular disease. The present study evaluated the effect of a closed-loop community-based pathway in reducing social needs among Black men in a lifestyle change program.

METHODS

Black men (n = 70) from a large Midwestern city participated in Black Impact, a 24-week community-based team lifestyle change single-arm pilot trial adapted from the Diabetes Prevention Program and American Heart Association's (AHA) Check, Change, Control Blood Pressure Self-Management Program, which incorporates AHA's Life's Simple 7 (LS7) framework. Participants were screened using the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Accountable Health Communities Health-Related Social Needs Screening Tool. Participants with affirmative responses were referred to a community hub pathway to address social needs. The primary outcome for this analysis is change in social needs based on the CMS social needs survey at 12 and 24 weeks using mixed effect logistic regressions with random intercepts for each participant. Change in a LS7 score (range 0-14) from baseline to 12 and 24 weeks was evaluated using a linear mixed-effects model stratified by baseline social needs.

RESULTS

Among 70 participants, the mean age of participants was 52 ±10.5 years. The men were sociodemographically diverse, with annual income ranging from <$20,000 (6%) to ≥$75,000 (23%). Forty-three percent had a college degree or higher level of education, 73% had private insurance, and 84% were employed. At baseline 57% of participants had at least one social need. Over 12 and 24 weeks, this was reduced to 37% (OR 0.33, 95%CI: 0.13, 0.85) and 44% (OR 0.50, 95%CI: 0.21, 1.16), respectively. There was no association of baseline social needs status with baseline LS7 score, and LS7 score improved over 12 and 24 weeks among men with and without social needs, with no evidence of a differential effect.

CONCLUSIONS

The Black Impact lifestyle change single-arm pilot program showed that a referral to a closed-loop community-based hub reduced social needs in Black men. We found no association of social needs with baseline or change in LS7 scores. Further evaluation of community-based strategies to advance the attainment of LS7 and address social needs among Black men in larger trials is warranted.

Community engagement and clinical trial diversity: Navigating barriers and co-designing solutions-A report from the "Health Equity through Diversity" seminar series

INTRODUCTION

In recent years, there has been increasing awareness of the lack of diversity among clinical trial participants. Equitable representation is key when testing novel therapeutic and non-therapeutic interventions to ensure safety and efficacy across populations. Unfortunately, in the United States (US), racial and ethnic minority populations continue to be underrepresented in clinical trials compared to their White counterparts.

METHODS

Two webinars in a four-part series, titled "Health Equity through Diversity," were held to discuss solutions for advancing health equity through diversifying clinical trials and addressing medical mistrust in communities. Each webinar was 1.5 hours long, beginning with panelist discussions followed by breakout rooms where moderators led discussions related to health equity and scribes recorded each room's conversations. The diverse groups of panelists included community members, civic representatives, clinician-scientists, and biopharmaceutical representatives. Scribe notes from discussions were collected and thematically analyzed to uncover the central themes.

RESULTS

The first two webinars were attended by 242 and 205 individuals, respectively. The attendees represented 25 US states, four countries outside the US, and shared various backgrounds including community members, clinician/researchers, government organizations, biotechnology/biopharmaceutical professionals, and others. Barriers to clinical trial participation are broadly grouped into the themes of access, awareness, discrimination and racism, and workforce diversity. Participants noted that innovative, community-engaged, co-designed solutions are essential.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite racial and ethnic minority groups making up nearly half of the US population, underrepresentation in clinical trials remains a critical challenge. The community engaged co-developed solutions detailed in this report to address access, awareness, discrimination and racism, and workforce diversity are critical to advancing clinical trial diversity.

Virtual Community Engagement for Retention of Black Men in Clinical Research

Black American men have worse cardiovascular health compared with their White counterparts, yet are highly underrepresented in clinical trials. In 2020, Black men were recruited to participate in Black Impact, a community-based lifestyle intervention to increase cardiovascular health. Due to the research pause during the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) pandemic, a virtual community engagement (VCE) process was co-designed with community stakeholders and evaluated for its effect on retention for the clinical trial. VCE via weekly virtual video conference sessions occurred for 9 weeks as a run-in phase prior to in-person research activities. Data collected during sessions included attendance, anecdotes on acceptability, and topical requests for subsequent weeks. Content analysis was performed on scribe notes from sessions to ascertain themes describing the implementation and participant perceptions of the VCE. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze quantitative data. The VCE provided opportunities to co-create a safe atmosphere in small groups, discuss mental health, foster trust, capitalize on the power of spirituality, and establish a brotherhood. Following the VCE run-in phase, 74 of 100 participants remained engaged for participation in the Black Impact study. The VCE described provides a framework that can be used to retain Black men during study delays or disruptions through fostering engagement and building community among participants and researchers.

Community-based participatory interventions to improve food security: A systematic review

Introduction

This systematic review aimed to evaluate community-based participatory (CBP) interventions to improve food security and/or its dimensions to highlight the scope and characteristics of interventions and extract the characteristics of effective interventions.

Methods

The electronic databases, including PubMed/MEDLINE, SCOPUS, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Google Scholar, were searched from 1980 to 30 August 2022 for relevant studies. We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs), cluster randomized controlled trials (cRCTs), controlled before and after studies (CBAs), non-randomized controlled trials (nRCT), and interrupted time series (ITS) studies to identify the community-based participatory interventions. The indicators of food and nutrition security into four dimensions, as well as food insecurity measured as score and/or prevalence of food insecurity based on validated perception-based measures were considered outcome. Two reviewers independently evaluated the studies for eligibility, extracted data, and evaluated the risk of bias in the included studies using the Effective Public Health Practice Project (EPHPP). The quality of included reports was categorized as strong (when there were no weak ratings), moderate (when one factor was rated as weak), or weak (when two or more factors were rated as weak). A descriptive analysis of the findings was performed.

Results

A total of twelve studies were included. The quality of all eligible studies (n = 12) was rated as moderate/weak. Most CBP interventions were guided by formative research (n = 9, 75%). Two main groups for utilized strategies were identified: agricultural and nutrition strategies. Agricultural strategies included agricultural education, preparing and improving soil and seeds, promoting and supporting gardening/harvesting utilizing traditional skills based on the local culture, and agroecological practices. Nutrition strategies included store and shopping programs, farmers' markets, fresh fruit and vegetable programs, nutrition education programs for mothers, and food vouchers. The main outcomes improved in the CBP interventions were food security (n = 2) and its dimensions, including availability (n = 3), access (n = 5), and utilization (n = 2). All agroecological practices achieved statistically significant outcomes in the intended food security target(s). However, nutritional interventions were not effective for some access components such as mean adequacy ratio, fruit and vegetable intake, and nutrition environment of the stores. No studies evaluated stability outcome components of food security.

Discussion

CBP interventions guided by formative research data and agroecological practices were promising strategies to improve food security and its dimensions. Insufficient data on the stability components of food security and weak design studies were the considerable gaps in the research evidence reviewed. More research employing randomized experimental designs with adequate sample size and high retention rates is required.

Systematic review registration

[https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/], identifier [CRD42020189477].

A randomized feasibility trial of the Midlife Black Women's Stress and Wellness intervention (B-SWELL); a community participatory intervention to increase adoption of Life's Simple 7 healthy lifestyle behaviors

BACKGROUND

Black women have a disproportionately higher incidence of cardiovascular disease-related mortality than other groups, yet they are less likely to receive culturally proficient education and competent preventive care.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to determine feasibility of the Midlife Black Women's Stress and Wellness intervention (B-SWELL); a culturally adapted, 8-week group intervention leveraging stress reduction and goal setting to increase awareness and adoption of Life's Simple 7 (LS7) healthy lifestyle behaviors.

METHODS

A randomized feasibility trial was conducted. Participants (N = 48, mean age = 55 years) were randomized to the B-SWELL or a group wellness (WE) intervention that lacked stress reduction and goal setting instruction. We hypothesized that B-SWELL participants would achieve a lower perceived stress, greater self-efficacy, improved LS7 scores, fewer symptoms (depression and unhealthy days), and greater perceived general health compared to WE participants. Survey data were collected at three timepoints: baseline, 8 weeks, and 12 weeks.

RESULTS

Both B-SWELL and WE groups had low attrition and navigated the online platform well. Further, both groups experienced lower perceived stress, improved LS7 scores, reduced depressive symptoms, and greater perceived general health from baseline to 8 weeks. Based on data trends, participants in the B-SWELL had more improvement in perceived stress, self-efficacy, and mental and physical unhealthy days compared to WE participants.

CONCLUSION

The B-SWELL is a feasible intervention for midlife Black women. Positive data trends were found for both B-SWELL and WE groups. Based on observations from the feasibility study, a larger outcomes-based study is planned.

Associations of Cardiometabolic Multimorbidity With All-Cause and Coronary Heart Disease Mortality Among Black Adults in the Jackson Heart Study

IMPORTANCE

A combination of diabetes, coronary heart disease (CHD), and stroke has multiplicative all-cause mortality risk compared with any individual morbidity in White populations, but there is a lack of studies in Black populations in the US.

OBJECTIVE

To examine the association of cardiometabolic multimorbidity (diabetes, stroke, and CHD) individually and collectively with all-cause and CHD mortality.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

This cohort study included Black adults in the Jackson Heart Study followed over a median of 15 years. Baseline examinations were performed between 2000 and 2004, with follow-up on all-cause and CHD mortality through May 31, 2018. Participants were categorized into mutually exclusive groups at baseline: (1) free of cardiometabolic morbidity, (2) diabetes, (3) CHD, (4) stroke, (5) diabetes and stroke, (6) CHD and stroke, (7) diabetes and CHD, and (8) diabetes, stroke, and CHD. Data were analyzed from 2019 to 2021.

EXPOSURE

Cardiometabolic disease alone or in combination.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

The main outcomes were all-cause mortality and CHD mortality. Cox models estimated hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% CIs adjusted for sociodemographic and cardiovascular risk factors.

RESULTS

Among 5064 participants (mean [SD] age, 55.4 [12.8] years; 3200 [63%] women) in the Jackson Heart Study, 897 (18%) had diabetes, 192 (4%) had CHD, and 104 (2%) had a history of stroke. Among participants with cardiometabolic morbidities, the crude all-cause mortality rates were lowest for diabetes alone (24.4 deaths per 1000 person-years) and highest for diabetes, CHD, and stroke combined (84.1 deaths per 1000 person-years). For people with only 1 cardiometabolic morbidity, risk for all-cause mortality was highest for people with stroke (HR, 1.74; 95% CI, 1.24-2.42), followed by CHD (HR, 1.59 (95% CI, 1.22-2.08) and diabetes (HR, 1.50; 95% CI, 1.22-1.85), compared with no cardiometabolic morbidities. There were also increased risks of mortality with combinations of diabetes and stroke (HR, 1.71; 95% CI, 1.09-2.68), CHD and stroke (HR, 2.23; 95% CI, 1.35-3.69), and diabetes and CHD (HR, 2.28; 95% CI, 1.65-3.15). The combination of diabetes, stroke, and CHD was associated with the highest all-cause mortality (HR, 3.68; 95% CI, 1.96-6.93). Findings were similar for CHD mortality, but with a larger magnitude of association (eg, diabetes, stroke, and CHD: HR, 13.52; 95% CI, 3.38-54.12).

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

In this cohort study, an increasing number of cardiometabolic multimorbidities was associated with a multiplicative increase in risk of all-cause mortality among Black adults, with a greater magnitude of association for CHD mortality.

The Role of Social Support in Cardiovascular Clinical Trial Participation among Black Men: Black Impact

BACKGROUND

Attainment of the American Heart Association's Life's Simple 7 (LS7) metrics reduces cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk; yet, Black Americans have the lowest LS7 attainment among all communities, the highest rate of CVD mortality, and low clinical trial participation. Social support is positively correlated with chronic disease self-management. Here, we describe the role of social support in a single-arm pilot clinical trial of a community-based lifestyle intervention among Black American men.

METHODS

The 24-week intervention featured weekly team-based physical activity and LS7-themed education. Seventy-four Black men participated in the intervention; twenty agreed to participate in exit surveys via one of three semi-structured focus groups. Data were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using content analysis framed by House's social support framework.

RESULTS

Participants reported support from both peers and health coaches. The sub-themes of social support among peers were: (1) acknowledgement, understanding, and validation, (2) inspiration, (3) sense of community, (4) fear of disappointing fellow participants, and (5) group synergy. The sub-themes of social support from the health coaches and study team staff included: (1) contemplation of current health status, (2) racial concordance of health coaches and study team staff, (3) investment of the research team, (4) incentives, (5) access to healthcare providers, and (6) the COVID-19 pandemic. Emotional support was the most frequently discussed theme.

CONCLUSIONS

Social support, especially emotional support, from peers and health coaches was a driver of clinical trial participation among participants. The intervention created a positive social environment and decreased medical mistrust. This intervention may provide a framework by which to facilitate clinical trial participation among Black men.

Religiosity/Spirituality and Cardiovascular Health: The American Heart Association Life's Simple 7 in African Americans of the Jackson Heart Study

Background

Religiosity/spirituality is a major coping mechanism for African Americans, but no prior studies have analyzed its association with the American Heart Association Life's Simple 7 (LS7) indicators in this group.

Methods and Results

This cross‐sectional study using Jackson Heart Study (JHS) data examined relationships between religiosity (religious attendance, private prayer, religious coping) and spirituality (theistic, nontheistic, total) with LS7 individual components (eg, physical activity, diet, smoking, blood pressure) and composite score among African Americans. Multivariable logistic regression assessed the odds of achieving intermediate/ideal (versus poor) LS7 levels adjusted for sociodemographic, behavioral, and biomedical factors. Among the 2967 participants (mean [SD] age=54.0 [12.3] years; 65.7% women), higher religious attendance was associated with increased likelihood (reported as odds ratio [95% CI]) of achieving intermediate/ideal levels of physical activity (1.16 [1.06–1.26]), diet (1.10 [1.01–1.20]), smoking (1.50 [1.34–1.68]), blood pressure (1.12 [1.01–1.24]), and LS7 composite score (1.15 [1.06–1.26]). Private prayer was associated with increased odds of achieving intermediate/ideal levels for diet (1.12 [1.03–1.22]) and smoking (1.24 [1.12–1.39]). Religious coping was associated with increased odds of achieving intermediate/ideal levels of physical activity (1.18 [1.08–1.28]), diet (1.10 [1.01–1.20]), smoking (1.32 [1.18–1.48]), and LS7 composite score (1.14 [1.04–1.24]). Total spirituality was associated with increased odds of achieving intermediate/ideal levels of physical activity (1.11 [1.02–1.21]) and smoking (1.36 [1.21–1.53]).

Conclusions

Higher levels of religiosity/spirituality were associated with intermediate/ideal cardiovascular health across multiple LS7 indicators. Reinforcement of religiosity/spirituality in lifestyle interventions may decrease overall cardiovascular disease risk among African Americans.

Cardiovascular health control in the family health strategy

Introduction

In Brazil, the Unified Health System (SUS) controls and oversees public health care, and the Family Health Strategy (FHS) is its primary access, with 60% of the population registered in it. The surveillance of risk factors for cardiovascular diseases (CVD) is the responsibility of the FHS. In 2010, the American Heart Association (AHA) proposed the evaluation of seven metrics (smoking, Body Mass Index (BMI), physical activity, diet, total cholesterol, blood pressure and blood glucose) with an aim to monitoring cardiovascular health (CVH). However, the results of the FHS regarding the CVH of the Brazilian population are unascertained.

Objective

Evaluate the control of CVH among adult patients treated by the FHS in the city of Aracaju, Sergipe, Brazil.

Material and methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted using the seven metrics recommended by the AHA to evaluate CVH among patients treated by the FHS. The city of Aracaju has a population of 571,149 inhabitants, with 394,267 > 20 years of age; therefore, it was admitted that in a simple random sample, sampling error of 5% with 95% CI, 329 individuals would be needed.

Results

Among 400 patients, only 32.5% had controlled CVH. In a univariate analysis, the adjusted multivariate analysis found that being female (aOR: 2.07 IC: 1.20 to 3.60 p: 0.006) under 45 years old (aOR: 1.61 IC: 1.15 to 2.28 p: 0.006) and with the habit of following health advice from family members and neighbors (aOR: 1.28 IC: 1.15 to 2.28 p: 0.040) were associated with control of CVH. On the other hand, those ones who had a greater number of children (aOR: 0.91 IC: 0.84 to 0.95 p: 0.020) were associated with less control of CVH.

Conclusions

The study showed that only 32.5% of patients have controlled CVH. Being a woman, young and following health advice from family members and neighbors have a positive influence in controlling CVH. More children reduced controlling these metrics.

Life's Essential 8: Updating and Enhancing the American Heart Association's Construct of Cardiovascular Health: A Presidential Advisory From the American Heart Association

In 2010, the American Heart Association defined a novel construct of cardiovascular health to promote a paradigm shift from a focus solely on disease treatment to one inclusive of positive health promotion and preservation across the life course in populations and individuals. Extensive subsequent evidence has provided insights into strengths and limitations of the original approach to defining and quantifying cardiovascular health. In response, the American Heart Association convened a writing group to recommend enhancements and updates. The definition and quantification of each of the original metrics (Life's Simple 7) were evaluated for responsiveness to interindividual variation and intraindividual change. New metrics were considered, and the age spectrum was expanded to include the entire life course. The foundational contexts of social determinants of health and psychological health were addressed as crucial factors in optimizing and preserving cardiovascular health. This presidential advisory introduces an enhanced approach to assessing cardiovascular health: Life's Essential 8. The components of Life's Essential 8 include diet (updated), physical activity, nicotine exposure (updated), sleep health (new), body mass index, blood lipids (updated), blood glucose (updated), and blood pressure. Each metric has a new scoring algorithm ranging from 0 to 100 points, allowing generation of a new composite cardiovascular health score (the unweighted average of all components) that also varies from 0 to 100 points. Methods for implementing cardiovascular health assessment and longitudinal monitoring are discussed, as are potential data sources and tools to promote widespread adoption in policy, public health, clinical, institutional, and community settings.

Community-Based, Cluster-Randomized Pilot Trial of a Cardiovascular Mobile Health Intervention: Preliminary Findings of the FAITH! Trial

BACKGROUND

African Americans continue to have suboptimal cardiovascular health (CVH) based on the American Heart Association Life's Simple 7 (LS7), 7 health-promoting behaviors and biological risk factors (eg, physical activity, blood pressure). Innovative, community-level interventions in partnership with trusted institutions such as African American churches are potential means to improve CVH in this population.

METHODS

Using a community-based participatory research approach, the FAITH! Trial (Fostering African American Improvement in Total Health) rigorously assessed the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of a refined, community-informed, mobile health intervention (FAITH! App) for promoting CVH among African Americans in faith communities using a cluster randomized controlled trial. Participants from 16 churches in Rochester and Minneapolis-St Paul, MN, were randomized to receive the FAITH! App (immediate intervention) or were assigned to a delayed intervention comparator group. The 10-week intervention core features included culturally relevant and LS7-focused education modules, diet/physical activity self-monitoring, and a group sharing board. Data were collected via electronic surveys and health assessments. Primary outcomes were average change in mean LS7 score (continuous measure of CVH ranging from poor to ideal [0-14 points]) from baseline to 6 months post-intervention (using generalized estimating equations) and app engagement/usability (by the Health Information Technology Usability Evaluation Scale; range, 0-5).

RESULTS

Of 85 enrolled participants (randomized to immediate [N=41] and delayed [control] intervention [N=44] groups), 76 and 68 completed surveys/health assessments at baseline and 6 months post-intervention, respectively (80% retention rate with assessments at both baseline and 6-month time points); immediate intervention [N=30] and control [N=38] groups). At baseline, the majority of participants (mean age [SD], 54.2 [12.3] years, 71% female) had <4-year college education level (39/66, 59%) and poor CVH (44% in poor category; mean LS7 score [SD], 6.8 [1.9]). The mean LS7 score of the intervention group increased by 1.9 (SD 1.9) points compared with 0.7 (SD 1.7) point in the control group (both P<0.0001) at 6 months. The estimated difference of this increase between the groups was 1.1 (95% CI, 0.6-1.7; P<0.0001). App engagement/usability was overall high (100% connection to app; >75% completed weekly diet/physical activity tracking; Health Information Technology Usability Evaluation Scale, mean [SD], 4.2 [0.7]).

CONCLUSIONS

On the basis of preliminary findings, the refined FAITH! App appears to be an efficacious mobile health tool to promote ideal CVH among African Americans.

REGISTRATION

URL: https://www.

CLINICALTRIALS

gov; Unique identifier: NCT03777709.

Community-based, cluster-randomized pilot trial of a cardiovascular mHealth intervention: Rationale, design, and baseline findings of the FAITH! Trial

BACKGROUND

Compared to whites, African-Americans have lower prevalence of ideal cardiovascular health (CVH) based on the American Heart Association Life's Simple 7 (LS7). These CVH inequities have worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic. Ideal LS7 health-promoting behaviors and biological risk factors (eg, diet, blood pressure) are associated with improved CVH outcomes. The FAITH! (Fostering African-American Improvement in Total Health) App, a community-informed, mobile health (mHealth) intervention, previously demonstrated significant improvements in LS7 components among African-Americans, suggesting that mHealth interventions may be effective in improving CVH. This paper presents the FAITH! Trial design, baseline findings, and pandemic-related lessons learned.

METHODS

Utilizing a community-based participatory research approach, this study assessed the feasibility/preliminary efficacy of a refined FAITH! App for promoting LS7 among African-Americans in faith communities using a cluster, randomized controlled trial. Participants received the FAITH! App (immediate intervention) or were assigned to a delayed intervention comparator group. Baseline data were collected via electronic surveys and health assessments. Primary outcomes are change in LS7 score from baseline to 6-months post-intervention and app engagement/usability.

RESULTS

Of 85 enrolled individuals, 76 completed baseline surveys/health assessments, for a participation rate of 89% (N = 34 randomized to the immediate intervention, N = 42 to delayed intervention). At baseline, participants were predominantly female (54/76, 71%), employed (56/76, 78%) and of high cardiometabolic risk (72/76, 95% with hypertension and/or overweight/obesity) with mean LS7 scores in the poor range (6.8, SD = 1.9).

CONCLUSIONS

The FAITH! Trial recruitment was feasible, and its results may inform the use of mHealth tools to increase ideal CVH among African-Americans.

Crafting Community-Based Participatory Research Stroke Interventions

Stroke exerts a tremendous burden on individuals, families, communities, and health systems globally. Even more troublesome are the striking disparities faced across diverse populations. These disparities are further exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite efforts to advance stroke research, substantial gaps remain in understanding factors that contribute to stroke disparities, including the Social Determinants of Health. Strategically designed studies and tailored interventions are needed to bridge the inequities high-risk populations face and to meet their specific needs. Community-based participatory research offers an approach to equitably partner with community members to understand and work collaboratively to address community-specific health priorities. In this focused update, we highlight the main processes of community-based participatory research studies and share exemplars from our team's work in stroke research and from the literature. As we continue to face an increasing prevalence of stroke, compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing implications of the Social Determinants of Health, partnering with communities to address community-driven health priorities can inform interventions targeted to overcome the disparities faced by certain populations.

Co-Designing a Program to Lower Cardiovascular Disease Risk in Midlife Black Women

Midlife Black women suffer disproportionately from heart disease and stroke in comparison to White women of similar age and demographic. Risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD) and stroke is largely considered to be modifiable yet CVD prevention and awareness campaigns have been less effective among Black women. Decreased awareness of personal CVD risk is associated with delays in the presentation of women to the emergency room or health care providers for symptoms of myocardial infarction. The Midlife Black Women's Stress and Wellness (B-SWELL) program was designed to increase awareness about CVD risk factors, stress, and healthy lifestyle behaviors among midlife Black women. In partnership with an existing Community Research Advisory Board (C-RAB), materials were developed and culturally adapted for the B-SWELL program. Following successful development of the B-SWELL materials, a trial of the B-SWELL program was conducted with a sample of midlife Black women recruited from the community. The program was co-facilitated by members of the C-RAB. We outline the strategies used to successfully co-create and trial the B-SWELL program materials and reflect on the strengths and challenges associated with the development of a culturally tailored heart disease prevention program using community participatory methods.

Improving Cardiovascular Health in Black Men Through a 24-Week Community-Based Team Lifestyle Change Intervention: The Black Impact Pilot Study

Background

Higher cardiovascular health scores, using American Heart Association's (AHA) Life's Simple 7 (LS7), have been associated with lower risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, cancer, and mortality among all racial/ethnic groups. Nationally, Black men have the lowest levels of LS7. Thus, a study was conducted to evaluate the impact of a community-based team lifestyle change program on LS7 among Black men.

Methods

Black adult males (n = 74) from a large Midwestern city participated in Black Impact, a 24-week community-based team lifestyle change program adapted from the Diabetes Prevention Program and AHA's Check, Change, Control Blood Pressure Self-Management Program, which incorporates AHA's LS7 framework. The change in a LS7 score (range 0–14) from baseline to 12 and 24 weeks was evaluated using a linear mixed-effects model adjusted for age, education, and income.

Results

The mean age of participants was 52 ± 10 years. The men were sociodemographically diverse, with annual income ranging from <$20,000 (7%) to ≥$75,000 (25%). Twenty-five percent were college graduates, 73% had private insurance, and 84% were employed. In fully adjusted models, LS7 score at baseline was 7.12 and increased 0.67 (95%CI: 0.14, 1.20, p = 0.013) and 0.93 (95%CI: 0.40, 1.46, p<0.001) points at 12 and 24 weeks, respectively, compared to baseline. Sensitivity analysis evaluating 5 components (excluding diet and physical activity) and 6 components (excluding diet) also showed significant increases at 12 and 24 weeks (all p<0.01).

Conclusions

The Black Impact lifestyle change single-arm pilot program showed that a community-based lifestyle intervention has the potential to improve LS7 in Black men. Further randomized studies are urgently needed to improve cardiovascular health and advance cardiovascular health equity in Black men.

Community-Based Participatory Research to Improve Cardiovascular Health Among US Racial and Ethnic Minority Groups

Purpose of Review

This review aims to assess the contemporary community-based participatory research (CBPR) literature seeking to improve the cardiovascular health of racial and ethnic minority groups in the USA with a higher burden of cardiovascular risk factors and social determinants of health. It summarizes recent CBPR studies based on the American Heart Association Life's Simple 7 (LS7) framework, delineating seven modifiable health behaviors and clinical factors to promote cardiovascular health.

Recent Findings

Although limited in quantity, studies demonstrated preliminary effectiveness in improving individual and a composite of LS7 indicators by employing strategies centered around fortifying social networks, integrating group activities, leveraging technology, incorporating faith-based and spiritual practices, and implementing changes to the built environment.

Summary

Future directions for investigators engaged in CBPR include building on the existing body of evidence through more comprehensive studies, scaling effective interventions, and translating CBPR findings to influence health policy to better address health disparities.

Association of Socioeconomic Status With Ideal Cardiovascular Health in Black Men

Background

Black men are burdened by high cardiovascular risk and the highest all‐cause mortality rate in the United States. Socioeconomic status (SES) is associated with improved cardiovascular risk factors in majority populations, but there is a paucity of data in Black men.

Methods and Results

We examined the association of SES measures including educational attainment, annual income, employment status, and health insurance status with an ideal cardiovascular health (ICH) score, which included blood pressure, glucose, cholesterol, body mass index, physical activity, and smoking in African American Male Wellness Walks. Six metrics of ICH were categorized into a 3‐tiered ICH score 0 to 2, 3 to 4, and 5 to 6. Multinomial logistic regression modeling was performed to examine the association of SES measures with ICH scores adjusted for age. Among 1444 men, 7% attained 5 to 6 ICH metrics. Annual income <$20 000 was associated with a 56% lower odds of attaining 3 to 4 versus 0 to 2 ICH components compared with ≥$75 000 (P=0.016). Medicare and no insurance were associated with a 39% and 35% lower odds of 3 to 4 versus 0 to 2 ICH components, respectively, compared with private insurance (all P<0.05). Education and employment status were not associated with higher attainment of ICH in Black men.

Conclusions

Among community‐dwelling Black men, higher attainment of measures of SES showed mixed associations with greater attainment of ICH. The lack of association of higher levels of educational attainment and employment status with ICH suggests that in order to address the long–standing health inequities that affect Black men, strategies to increase attainment of cardiovascular health may need to address additional components beyond SES.

Improving the enrollment of women and racially/ethnically diverse populations in cardiovascular clinical trials: An ASPC practice statement

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the leading cause of death for both women and men worldwide. In the United States (U.S.), there are significant disparities in cardiovascular risk factors and CVD outcomes among racial and ethnic minority populations, some of whom have the highest U.S. CVD incidence and mortality. Despite this, women and racial/ethnic minority populations remain underrepresented in cardiovascular clinical trials, relative to their disease burden and population percentage. The lack of diverse participants in trials is not only a moral and ethical issue, but a scientific concern, as it can limit application of future therapies. Providing comprehensive demographic data by sex and race/ethnicity and increasing representation of diverse participants into clinical trials are essential in assessing accurate drug response, safety and efficacy information. Additionally, diversifying investigators and clinical trial staff may assist with connecting to the language, customs, and beliefs of study populations and increase recruitment of participants from diverse backgrounds. In this review, a working group for the American Society for Preventive Cardiology (ASPC) reviewed the literature regarding the inclusion of women and individuals of diverse backgrounds into cardiovascular clinical trials, focusing on prevention, and provided recommendations of best practices for improving enrollment to be more representative of the U.S. society into trials.