Abstract 139: Hypertension Control In The Afro-dpp Program, A Virtual Cardiometabolic Health Intervention Among African Immigrants

Abstract

Background: Black people and immigrants in the US are disproportionately affected by poor cardiometabolic health. Aim: To test the effectiveness of a virtual, culturally tailored lifestyle intervention with remote blood pressure (BP) monitoring on BP control among African immigrants. Methods: In this pilot cluster-randomized trial (NCT05144737), two churches were randomly assigned to first intervention or delayed intervention groups. African immigrants aged 25-75 years with a smartphone and ≥ 2 of the following were enrolled: body-mass index (BMI) ≥ 25 kg/m 2 , HbA1c 5.7-6.5%, systolic BP (SBP) ≥ 140 mmHg or diastolic BP (DBP) ≥ 90 mmHg. Intervention involved lifestyle coaching using the diabetes prevention program curriculum, adapted to African immigrants, Bluetooth-enabled BP monitor synced to a mobile app (Sphygmo TM ), allowing for remote BP readings. The primary outcome was 6-month change in BP. Results: A total of 60 participants, 30 per site, were recruited; mean age 50.6(±11.9). At baseline, mean SBP was 144.5 mmHg in the first intervention group and 148.3 mmHg in the delayed intervention group. At 6 months, there was 11.32 mmHg SBP, 9.73 mmHg DBP reduction in the first intervention group and 9.31 mmHg SBP, 5.34 mmHg DBP reduction in the delayed intervention group ( Figure ); mean SBP reduction was 4.35 mm Hg greater in the first intervention group (95% CI, -13.56, 4.87). Additional BP control (< 130/80 mmHg) was achieved in 22% of participants in the first intervention group, and 10% in the delayed intervention group. Conclusions: Among African immigrants at risk for cardiovascular disease, a culturally tailored, lifestyle intervention led to BP reduction.