Strong Hearts, Healthy Communities: A Community‐Based Randomized Trial for Rural Women. Issue 5 (10th April 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Seguin, Rebecca A.; Paul, Lynn; Folta, Sara C.; Nelson, Miriam E.; Strogatz, David; Graham, Meredith L.; Diffenderfer, Anna; Eldridge, Galen; Parry, Stephen A.
• Is Part Of: Obesity. Volume 26:Issue 5(2018)
• Page Start: 845
• Page End: 853
• Publication Date: 2018-04-10
• Subjects: Obesity -- Periodicals; 616.398005
• DOI: 10.1002/oby.22158
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1930-7381

Abstract

Abstract : Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate a multilevel cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevention program for rural women. Methods: This 6‐month, community‐based, randomized trial enrolled 194 sedentary rural women aged 40 or older with BMI ≥ 25 kg/m 2 . Intervention participants attended 6 months of twice‐weekly exercise, nutrition, and heart health classes (48 total) that included individual‐, social‐, and environment‐level components. An education‐only control program included didactic healthy lifestyle classes once a month (six total). The primary outcome measures were change in BMI and weight. Results: Within‐group and between‐group multivariate analyses revealed that only intervention participants decreased BMI (−0.85 units; 95% CI: −1.32 to −0.39; P = 0.001) and weight (−2.24 kg; 95% CI: −3.49 to −0.99; P = 0.002). Compared with controls, intervention participants decreased BMI (difference: −0.71 units; 95% CI: −1.35 to −0.08; P = 0.03) and weight (1.85 kg; 95% CI: −3.55 to −0.16; P = 0.03) and improved C‐reactive protein (difference: −1.15 mg/L; 95% CI: −2.16 to −0.15; P = 0.03) and Simple 7, a composite CVD risk score (difference: 0.67; 95% CI: 0.14 to 1.21; P = 0.01). Cholesterol decreased among controls but increased in the intervention group (−7.85 vs. 3.92 mg/dL; difference: 11.77; 95% CI: 0.57 to 22.96; P = 0.04). Conclusions: The multilevel intervention demonstrated modest but superior and meaningful improvements in BMI and other CVD risk factors compared with the control program.