African American adults, specifically those managing chronic disease and social isolation, are one of the most vulnerable groups susceptible to COVID-19. This intervention involves a multi-disciplinary and culturally sensitive approach to address two major COVID-19 related challenges in this population. First, this program collaborates with predominantly African American churches to implement Federal and State guidelines aimed at preventing outbreaks of COVID-19 at faith-based gatherings. Second, this program trains church-based health advisors to help African American older parishioners manage their chronic health conditions and reduce psychological distress during the pandemic.
To jointly implement and evaluate a telehealth-based, multidisciplinary, culturally-sensitive
intervention with 265 AA older parishioners: (i) To mitigate the negative impact of COVID-19
on the management of chronic health conditions, and (ii) to reduce healthcare avoidance
behaviors and psychological distress.
Behavioral: Change in knowledge, motivation, skills, resources
Provide/enhance knowledge, modify attitudes, motivate and provide skills and resources to reduce COVID-19 related risk and challenges.
Inclusion Criteria:
- African American older adults aged 55 years with a chronic medical condition or
65years and older
- Have at least one risk factor for COVID-19
Exclusion Criteria:
- Resident of care facility
- Cognitive deficit (identified by short version of mini-mental instrument)
- Does not self-identify as African American and/or Black
- Under the age of 55years
- Unable to speak and/or read English
Charles R. Drew University of Medicine & Science
Los Angeles, California, United States
Mohsen Bazargan, PhD, Principal Investigator
Charles R. Drew University of Medicine & Science