The Role of Social Support in Cardiovascular Clinical Trial Participation among Black Men: Black Impact

Sarah Addison, Yesol Yang, Faith Metlock, Mikayla King, Alicia McKoy, Amaris Williams, John Gregory, Darrell M. Gray, Joshua J. Joseph and Timiya S. Nolan ()
Additional contact information
Sarah Addison: College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, 370 W 9th Ave, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
Yesol Yang: Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, 460 W 10th Ave, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
Faith Metlock: College of Nursing, The Ohio State University, 1585 Neil Ave, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
Mikayla King: College of Nursing, The Ohio State University, 1585 Neil Ave, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
Alicia McKoy: Center for Cancer Health Equity, The Ohio State University, 460 W 10th Ave, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
Amaris Williams: College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, 370 W 9th Ave, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
John Gregory: National Center for Urban Solutions, The African American Male Wellness Agency, 2780 Airport Drive, Suite 333, Columbus, OH 43230, USA
Darrell M. Gray: Anthem, Inc. (Formerly The Ohio State University College of Medicine), 1310 G Street, Washington, DC 20005, USA
Joshua J. Joseph: College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, 370 W 9th Ave, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
Timiya S. Nolan: Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, 460 W 10th Ave, Columbus, OH 43210, USA

IJERPH, 2022, vol. 19, issue 19, 1-16

Abstract: Background: Attainment of the American Heart Association’s Life’s Simple 7 (LS7) metrics reduces cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk; yet, Black Americans have the lowest LS7 attainment among all communities, the highest rate of CVD mortality, and low clinical trial participation. Social support is positively correlated with chronic disease self-management. Here, we describe the role of social support in a single-arm pilot clinical trial of a community-based lifestyle intervention among Black American men. Methods: The 24-week intervention featured weekly team-based physical activity and LS7-themed education. Seventy-four Black men participated in the intervention; twenty agreed to participate in exit surveys via one of three semi-structured focus groups. Data were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using content analysis framed by House’s social support framework. Results: Participants reported support from both peers and health coaches. The sub-themes of social support among peers were: (1) acknowledgement, understanding, and validation, (2) inspiration, (3) sense of community, (4) fear of disappointing fellow participants, and (5) group synergy. The sub-themes of social support from the health coaches and study team staff included: (1) contemplation of current health status, (2) racial concordance of health coaches and study team staff, (3) investment of the research team, (4) incentives, (5) access to healthcare providers, and (6) the COVID-19 pandemic. Emotional support was the most frequently discussed theme. Conclusions: Social support, especially emotional support, from peers and health coaches was a driver of clinical trial participation among participants. The intervention created a positive social environment and decreased medical mistrust. This intervention may provide a framework by which to facilitate clinical trial participation among Black men.

Keywords: Black Impact; cardiovascular disease; Black men; social support; clinical trial participation; community-based participatory research (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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