Evaluation of a cardiovascular education intervention with motivational text messaging among West African immigrants

Abstract

Background: West African Immigrants (WAIs) in the United States (U. S.) are a vulnerable group for cardiovascular disease (CVD), yet few intervention studies have been conducted for CVD risk reduction. The purpose of this study was to evaluate a CVD prevention education program plus motivational text messaging among AWIs. Objectives were to a. Examine CVD health knowledge, behavior, confidence levels in preparing heart healthy foods, and readiness to change behavior between a CV education intervention and motivational text messaging (MTM) and a standard education intervention (SEI). b. Determine differences in these areas between the two groups. Method: This quasi experimental study was conducted in a faith-based organization in the southwestern U.S. over a 10 weeks period. Adult AWIs, aged 18-74 years were recruited. Participants were randomized either to the MTM or the SEI. Both groups received CVD risk factor education (2-hour sessions weekly for 10 weeks). The MTM group received motivational text messaging twice weekly during the study period. Results: Seventy-five participants were enrolled. Fifty one percent (n=38) participants completed the intervention. Forty seven percent (n=16) were in the MTM group and 53% (n=22) were in the SEI group. Each group demonstrated statistically significant improvement in pre-post intervention in CVD risk factor knowledge (p=<0.000), behavior (p<0.000), confidence level in preparing healthy food (p<0.000), and readiness to change behavior (p=0.001). There were no differences between groups in CVD risk factor knowledge (p=.92), behavior (p=.81), confidence in preparing healthy food (p=.50) and readiness to change (p=.99). Conclusion: Although our sample size was small, motivational text messaging did not appear to make a difference from the standard education intervention. More studies are needed with larger sample sizes to determine best practice for CVD prevention among WAIs.