Amelia Iglesias1, Ashley Ambrose2, Stephanie Coronel-Mockler3, Kristin Kilbourn4, Marc P Bonaca3,5, Raymond O Estacio3,6, Mori J Krantz3,6. 1. University of Colorado School of Public Health, Aurora, CO, USA. 2. CPC Community Health, Aurora, CO, USA. ashley.ambrose@cpcmed.org. 3. CPC Community Health, Aurora, CO, USA. 4. Department of Psychology, University of Colorado, Denver, CO, USA. 5. Division of Cardiology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA. 6. Department of Medicine, Denver Health and Hospital Authority, Denver, CO, USA.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Community Heart Health Actions for Latinos at Risk (CHARLAR) is a promotora-led cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk-reduction program for socio-demographically disadvantaged Latinos and consists of 11 skill-building sessions. The COVID-19 pandemic has led to worsening health status in U.S. adults and necessitated transition to virtual implementation of the CHARLAR program. METHODS: A mixed-methods approach was used to evaluate virtual delivery of CHARLAR. Changes in health behaviors were assessed through a pre/post program survey. Results from virtual and historical (in-person delivery) were compared. Key informant interviews were conducted with promotoras and randomly selected participants and then coded and analyzed using a thematic approach. RESULTS: An increase in days of exercise per week (+ 1.52), daily servings of fruit (+ 0.60) and vegetables (+ 0.56), and self-reported general health (+ 0.38), were observed in the virtual cohort [all p < 0.05]. A numeric decrease in PHQ-8 (-1.07 p = 0.067) was also noted. The historical cohort showed similar improvements from baseline in days of exercise per week (+ 0.91), daily servings of fruit (+ 0.244) and vegetables (+ 0.282), and PHQ-8 (-1.89) [all p < 0.05]. Qualitative interviews revealed that the online format provided valuable tools supporting positive behavior change. Despite initial discomfort and technical challenges, promotoras and participants adapted and deepened valued relationships through additional virtual support. CONCLUSION: Improved health behaviors and CVD risk factors were successfully maintained through virtual delivery of the CHARLAR program. Optimization of virtual health programs like CHARLAR has the potential to increase reach and improve CVD risk among Latinos.
BACKGROUND: Community Heart Health Actions for Latinos at Risk (CHARLAR) is a promotora-led cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk-reduction program for socio-demographically disadvantaged Latinos and consists of 11 skill-building sessions. The COVID-19 pandemic has led to worsening health status in U.S. adults and necessitated transition to virtual implementation of the CHARLAR program. METHODS: A mixed-methods approach was used to evaluate virtual delivery of CHARLAR. Changes in health behaviors were assessed through a pre/post program survey. Results from virtual and historical (in-person delivery) were compared. Key informant interviews were conducted with promotoras and randomly selected participants and then coded and analyzed using a thematic approach. RESULTS: An increase in days of exercise per week (+ 1.52), daily servings of fruit (+ 0.60) and vegetables (+ 0.56), and self-reported general health (+ 0.38), were observed in the virtual cohort [all p < 0.05]. A numeric decrease in PHQ-8 (-1.07 p = 0.067) was also noted. The historical cohort showed similar improvements from baseline in days of exercise per week (+ 0.91), daily servings of fruit (+ 0.244) and vegetables (+ 0.282), and PHQ-8 (-1.89) [all p < 0.05]. Qualitative interviews revealed that the online format provided valuable tools supporting positive behavior change. Despite initial discomfort and technical challenges, promotoras and participants adapted and deepened valued relationships through additional virtual support. CONCLUSION: Improved health behaviors and CVD risk factors were successfully maintained through virtual delivery of the CHARLAR program. Optimization of virtual health programs like CHARLAR has the potential to increase reach and improve CVD risk among Latinos.
Authors: Mori J Krantz; Brenda Beaty; Stephanie Coronel-Mockler; Bonnie Leeman-Castillo; Kelly Fletcher; Raymond O Estacio Journal: Am J Prev Med Date: 2017-06-08 Impact factor: 5.043
Authors: Kurt Kroenke; Tara W Strine; Robert L Spitzer; Janet B W Williams; Joyce T Berry; Ali H Mokdad Journal: J Affect Disord Date: 2008-08-27 Impact factor: 4.839
Authors: Gregory Knell; Michael C Robertson; Erin E Dooley; Katie Burford; Karla S Mendez Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2020-08-28 Impact factor: 3.390
Authors: Emily W Flanagan; Robbie A Beyl; S Nicole Fearnbach; Abby D Altazan; Corby K Martin; Leanne M Redman Journal: Obesity (Silver Spring) Date: 2020-12-18 Impact factor: 9.298