Project
Impact of Social Support and Self-Efficacy on Healthy Life-Style Practices among Rural African Americans
Timeline
- 2018: CHER Research Summer Program
- 2019 – present: Ongoing
Abstract
African Americans residing in rural southeast United States continue to experience increased cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. Previous research suggests that social support and self-efficacy can be key intervention targets to increase physical activity and improve dietary habits – high fruits and vegetables and low sodium intake. To better understand the role of these intervention targets, we adapted and implemented an evidence-based CVD prevention intervention, Heart Matters (NIH 5R01HL120690-02; PI Corbie-Smith), in mitigating CVD risk for African Americans residents of Nash and Edgecombe counties, North Carolina.
Outcomes and Impact
This investigation emphasizes the importance of self-efficacy in addition to peer and familial verbal encouragement in affecting dietary and physical activity change among rural African Americans. Future directions will include contextualizing the influence of rurality, food accessibility and affordability on the relationship between lifestyle modifications and CVD risk.
Study Team
- Gaurav Dave
- Stephanie Hoover
- Hilary Jessup
- Madeleine Hamilton
- Kiana Bess
- Mysha Wynn (Project Momentum Inc.)
- Shirley McFarlin (James McFarlin Community Development)
- Giselle Corbie-Smith
Partner Organizations
- Project Momentum Inc.
- James McFarlin Community Development
Funding Source
Sutton Medical Education Excellence Fund (UNC Medical Education; Medical Foundation)
Presentations
- Jessup, G. Dave, S. Hoover, S. McFarlin, M. Wynn, G. Corbie-Smith. Impact of Social Support and Self-Efficacy on Healthy Life-Style Practices among Rural African Americans (2018). John B. Graham Research Symposium. Chapel Hill, NC.
- Hoover, G. Dave, H. Jessup, S. McFarlin, M. Wynn, G Corbie-Smith. Impact of Social Support and Self-Efficacy on Healthy Life-Style Practices among Rural African Americans (2019) Minority Health Conference, Chapel Hill, NC.
Contact Info
- Hilary Jessup: hilary_jessup@med.unc.edu
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