H.U.B City Steps: A Community Walking Intervention to Lower Blood Pressure in African Americans
Author Information
Author(s): Jamie M Zoellner, Carol C Connell, Michael B Madson, Bo Wang, Vickie Blakely Reed, Elaine Fontenot Molaison, Kathleen Yadrick
Primary Institution: Virginia Tech and The University of Southern Mississippi
Hypothesis
Can a community-based participatory research walking intervention effectively reduce blood pressure among African Americans?
Conclusion
The study found significant reductions in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure among participants after three months.
Supporting Evidence
- 90% of all possible pedometer diaries were submitted.
- Attendance at the monthly education sessions was approximately 33%.
- 84% of participants were retained at the 3-month follow-up.
Takeaway
This study shows that walking together in groups can help people lower their blood pressure, especially in African American communities.
Methodology
The study used a two-phased design with a 6-month quasi-experimental phase followed by a 12-month randomized controlled trial phase.
Potential Biases
The study may have biases related to participant retention and the higher proportion of women enrolled.
Limitations
The study is ongoing, and the results are based on only three months of data.
Participant Demographics
94% African American, 85% female, mean age 43.8 years.
Statistical Information
P-Value
<0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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