Storytelling Intervention for High Blood Pressure

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: University of Delaware

Must be taking: Hypertension medications

Disqualifiers: Cognitive limitations, Pregnancy, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: Unknown

Duration: 6 months

60 Participants Needed

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial aims to determine if storytelling can assist people with high blood pressure (hypertension) in making lifestyle changes, adhering to medication, and lowering blood pressure. Participants will either join group storytelling sessions (Group-Based Storytelling Plus Intervention), access stories online (Web-Based Storytelling Intervention), or continue with their usual care. The trial targets African American/Black individuals diagnosed with hypertension and currently on prescribed medication. As an unphased trial, it offers a unique opportunity to explore innovative methods for managing hypertension through storytelling.

Do I need to stop taking my current medications for the trial?

The trial does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications, but since it focuses on improving medication adherence, you will likely continue your current hypertension medication.

What prior data suggests that these storytelling interventions are safe for individuals with high blood pressure?

Research shows that storytelling activities are generally easy for participants to handle. Previous studies have found that using storytelling to help manage high blood pressure has not caused any serious side effects. Specifically, one study found that storytelling significantly lowered systolic blood pressure, the top number in a blood pressure reading, without causing harm.

For group storytelling activities, no negative side effects have been reported. Similarly, online storytelling activities also appear safe. A trial of a similar online program found it did not cause any harmful effects, making it a safe option for people with high blood pressure.

Both storytelling methods aim to support lifestyle changes safely. Participants can engage in these activities without major risks, making them a promising option for improving blood pressure management. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about the storytelling interventions for high blood pressure because they offer a fresh approach compared to traditional medication or lifestyle changes like diet and exercise. The Group-Based Storytelling Plus Intervention creates a supportive environment where participants can share personal experiences and learn from each other, potentially enhancing motivation and adherence to healthy habits. Meanwhile, the Web-Based Storytelling Intervention offers flexibility and accessibility, allowing people to engage with the stories and lessons at their own pace from the comfort of their homes. These interventions aim to address the psychological and social aspects of managing high blood pressure, which are often overlooked in conventional treatments.

What evidence suggests that storytelling interventions could be effective for managing high blood pressure?

Research has shown that storytelling can help lower blood pressure. In this trial, participants may be assigned to different storytelling interventions. The Group-Based Storytelling Plus Intervention led to a noticeable drop in the top number of a blood pressure reading by about 6.43 points, which could benefit people with high blood pressure. Meanwhile, the Web-Based Storytelling Intervention also appears promising, as internet programs have been linked to better blood pressure control and healthier habits. Both types of storytelling in this trial might help people take their medication regularly and manage their blood pressure more effectively. ^{1 2 3 6 7}

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for African Americans who are managing high blood pressure and may have trouble sticking to their medication routine. It's not clear what specific inclusion or exclusion criteria are set, so interested individuals should contact the study organizers for more details.

Inclusion Criteria

I am taking medication for high blood pressure.

African American/Black

I have been diagnosed with high blood pressure.

Exclusion Criteria

Planning to relocate during the study period

Pregnancy

Unable to speak or read English

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants engage in storytelling interventions to promote lifestyle and behavioral change for managing hypertension

6 months

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for blood pressure and medication adherence after the intervention

4 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Group-Based Storytelling Plus Intervention
• Web-Based Storytelling Intervention

Trial Overview The study is testing if storytelling through web-based and group-based programs can help people with hypertension change their lifestyle and behavior, lower their blood pressure, and take their medications as prescribed.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Storytelling Plus (Group-based Storytelling) Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Group II: Storytelling (Web-based Storytelling) Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Group III: Usual Care Active Control 1 Intervention

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of Delaware

Lead Sponsor

Trials

167

Recruited

25,700+

National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)

Collaborator

Trials

3,987

Recruited

47,860,000+

Citations

1. clinicaltrials.gov clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT07071077?draw=2&rank=1

Study Details | NCT07071077 | Examining the Feasibility of ... The purpose of this study is to assess if storytelling is an effective approach for promoting lifestyle and behavioral change among individuals managing ...

2. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12590299/

Text Messaging and Video Stories to Support Hypertension ... This randomized clinical trial examines the effect of a video-based storytelling and text messaging intervention on blood pressure ...

3. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11961176/

Group-delivered interventions for lowering blood pressure in ... Group-delivered interventions were effective at lowering BP for people with hypertension compared with UC; their feasibility and cost-effectiveness in primary ...

4. iforumrx.org iforumrx.org/commentary/can-storytelling-improve-blood-pressure-control/

Can Storytelling Improve Blood Pressure Control? The relatively substantial SBP reduction of 6.43 mm Hg (CI 1.41 – 11.45 mmHg; p=0.012) in the intervention group persisted over the 6-9 study period Admittedly, ...

5. bjgp.org bjgp.org/content/bjgp/early/2024/08/07/BJGP.2023.0585.full.pdf

Group-delivered interventions for lowering blood pressure ... Primary outcomes were changes in systolic and diastolic. BP, achievement of study BP targets and medication adherence; quality was assessed ...

6. researchgate.net researchgate.net/publication/49762516_Storytelling_A_Novel_Intervention_for_Hypertension

(PDF) Storytelling: A Novel Intervention for Hypertension Storytelling offers the unique mechanism to provide patient education in a culturally-appropriate context [7] and may be particularly beneficial ...

7. ahajournals.org ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/HYPERTENSIONAHA.120.15946?doi=10.1161/HYPERTENSIONAHA.120.15946

Health Care Delivery Interventions for Hypertension ... This systematic review with 26 studies including 48 187 patients with hypertension demonstrates that a variety of QI interventions instituted in ...