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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Recorded presentation

Idethia Shevon Harvey, DrPH¹, Amy J. Schulz, PhD¹, Sheryl Weir¹, Barbara Israel, DrPH¹, Sharon Sand¹, and Murlisa Lockett². (1) Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, University of Michigan, 109 S Observatory, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, 734-936-1189, shevon@uiuc.edu, (2) Detroit Health Department, 1151 Taylor Rm 646B, Detroit, MI 48202

African Americans in the United States and in Detroit disproportionately experience cardiovascular disease (CVD) and type-2 diabetes when compared with white Americans. Recent studies have shown the importance of strong social ties and supportive social relationships in influencing positive health outcomes and health-related behaviors such as dietary change and cardiovascular health. To promote heart health and reduce the risk of diabetes and hypertension among African American women within the city of Detroit, the Healthy Connections - Village Health Worker Partnership, a community-based participatory research partnership affiliated with the Detroit Community-Academic Urban Research Center, developed the Healthy Connections Advocate Social Network Intervention Project (SNI). The SNI is grounded in social network theory, and emphasized awareness and screening for diabetes and cardiovascular disease among social network members of lay health advisors, the Healthy Connections Advocates (HCAs). In this presentation, we will describe and analyze the strategies used by the HCAs to increase awareness and screening for hypertension and diabetes among members of their social networks. We will discuss the application of a social network theoretical framework in the development and evaluation of this intervention. We will present results from quantitative and qualitative data gathered from social network members and the HCAs to evaluate the implementation and effects of this social network intervention. Finally, we will discuss lessons learned regarding the use of a community-based participatory research process in all aspects of the development, implementation, and evaluation of this theoretically grounded lay health advisor program.

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