Abstract
BackgroundDespite the blood pressure (BP) lowering benefit of a diet rich in fruits and vegetables (FV), the majority of Black Americans – a high risk group for hypertension – consume fewer FV servings than whites. Self‐efficacy (SE) is associated with FV intake in diverse groups, but limited research has examined FV_SE change in interventions led by lay health advisors (LHAs). The Faith‐based Approaches in the Treatment of Hypertension (FAITH) trial evaluated the effectiveness of a lifestyle intervention delivered by LHAs on BP reduction among hypertensive Blacks in churches. This study examines the changes in FV_SE and FV intake at 6 months.Methods: Participants were randomized into either an 11‐week therapeutic lifestyle change program and 3 subsequent monthly motivational interviewing sessions led by LHAs in the churches (MINT‐TLC), or an 11‐week health education control. Measures included the NCI FV screener and a 10‐item FV_SE scale. Changes in FV_SE score and FV intake were measured from baseline to 6 months using mixed effects regression models.Results: In this predominantly Black (96.1%) and female (76.4%) sample with a mean age of 63.4y, systolic BP was reduced but there was no change in FV intake (p=0.37). However, there was a significant treatment x months interaction with SE; FV_SE significantly increased in the MINT‐TLC group compared to the control (p<0.001). There was also a positive association between FV_SE score and FV intake (p<0.001).ConclusionAlthough FV_SE increased and was associated with FV intake, the intervention did not increase FV intake.Funded by NHLBI R01HL092860‐01
Published Version
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