Using Life's Essential 8 in Midlife Black Women

Conduct a RCT pilot of the modified B-SWELL consisting of 64 women randomized to B-SWELL (n=32) or control (n=32). The RCT will take place in two phases. Each phase will consist of virtual and in-person groups (n=8 for groups) for the B-SWELL and attention control. Participants will receive the B-SWELL materials (binder, flash drive) prior to start. Each weekly 90-minute session is devoted to a specific LE8 behavior. Sessions will begin with meditative practice followed by interactive presentations, review of case studies, and discussion. Coaching will occur via phone during the first weeks of the intervention with booster sessions at weeks 10 and 14. The attention control (virtual or in person) will mirror the B-SWELL in format and duration however, participants will only receive publicly available AHA materials and information. The Attention control will not receive stress information, goal setting, or coaching. Facilitators and coaches will be purposefully recruited and representative of midlife Black women.

This study will take place in Cincinnati. Women will be eligible if they identify as Black/African American; are between the ages of 45 and 64 during the trial; have a reliable phone for messaging and data collection calls; and willing to commit to the study duration and data collection phone calls (at 8, 12 and 16 weeks). Women will be excluded if they have recently immigrated or resettled in the U.S. or have major health conditions prohibiting safe participation. Having CVD will not be an exclusion as those with CVD can still show improvement in LE8. Recruitment activities will include fliers, email, snowballing, and social media. Community in-person sites will be selected based upon safety, accessibility, and resources. The C-RAB members will inform recruitment through their knowledge of the communities. For example, they may recommend that fliers be placed in particular high-traffic areas or sent to specific community organizations. C-RAB members are not personnel and, thus, will be instructed to refer any questions regarding this research to the PI and/or research staff. All C-RAB activities will be monitored by the PI.

Inclusion criteria

• Identifies as Black/ African American
• Age 45-64.
• Willing to adhere to the study requirements.

Exclusion criteria

• Incarcerated or on house arrest,
• Diagnosed with terminal illness, severe mental illness, or dementia.
• Unable or unwilling to participate in 8 weekly sessions and 4 phone interviews.