Culturally Relevant Heart Health Program for Older African American Women of Rural Areas.

INTRODUCTION: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains a major public health issue, with the highest rates in the United States found among African Americans (AA) in rural areas like Alabama's Black Belt. In this pilot study, we evaluated the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of a culturally relevant heart health program for older AA women in rural Alabama. METHODS: We recruited 30 AA women aged 65 years and older from Alabama's rural Black Belt with CVD or multiple risk factors. Feasibility was assessed via recruitment, retention, and data-completion rates. We also evaluated the preliminary efficacy of the heart health program. RESULTS: We achieved a recruitment rate of 100%, a retention rate of 90%, and a data-completion rate of 93%. Participants showed significant improvements in knowledge of overall heart disease, body mass index, and body balance. DISCUSSION: Findings support the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of the heart health program for older AA women in rural Alabama. Larger studies are needed to confirm results.