Community Health Programs for High Blood Pressure
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial aims to assist Black men with elevated or early-stage high blood pressure. Community Health Workers will train to identify these individuals, offer lifestyle advice, and connect them with healthcare and social services. The trial includes two approaches: a self-guided program and a barbershop-based facilitation program (Barbershop-Based Facilitation, BF), which introduces a more interactive element at local barbershops. This trial suits Black men who frequently visit participating barbershops and have high blood pressure but are not on medication. As an unphased trial, it provides a unique opportunity to explore community-based interventions for managing blood pressure.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial excludes people who are already prescribed antihypertensive medication, so you would not be eligible if you are taking such medications.
What prior data suggests that these programs are safe for participants?
Research has shown that managing high blood pressure in barbershops is safe and effective. One study found that when barbers discussed health with Black men, it significantly reduced their blood pressure. No major safety issues have arisen because barbers educate and check blood pressure in a familiar setting.
The Community-to-Clinic Linkage Implementation Program (CLIP) screens and connects Black men to primary care through community health workers. This program primarily helps people access existing healthcare services, avoiding the safety concerns associated with new drugs or treatments.
Overall, both strategies are well-received. They use community support to manage blood pressure, which is generally safe and effective.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about the Community-to-Clinic Linkage Implementation Program in Barbershops (CLIP) and Barbershop-Based Facilitation (BF) because they bring healthcare directly into community spaces, making it easier for people to access help for high blood pressure. Unlike traditional treatments that rely on clinic visits, these programs use barbershops as a hub, making it convenient for participants to receive guidance and support in a familiar setting. This innovative approach aims to bridge the gap between community members and healthcare providers, potentially improving health outcomes by reaching people where they already are and fostering stronger community health networks.
What evidence suggests that this trial's treatments could be effective for high blood pressure?
Research has shown that programs in barbershops can significantly lower blood pressure in Black men. One study found that men who participated in health activities at barbershops reduced their blood pressure by an average of 27 mm Hg, a substantial improvement. Another study discovered that when barbers acted as health educators and monitored blood pressure, patrons managed their high blood pressure more effectively. In this trial, participants in the Barbershop-Based Facilitation (BF) arm will engage with facilitation designed to prompt specific, actionable steps for community health workers to implement the Community-to-Clinic Linkage Implementation Program (CLIP) at the barbershop. Meanwhile, participants in the Self-Directed arm will receive the CLIP program manual. Both methods leverage trusted community spaces to enhance heart health.12367
Who Is on the Research Team?
Joseph Ravenell, MD
Principal Investigator
NYU Langone Medical Center
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for Black men who are regular customers at participating barbershops, aged 18 or older, with elevated blood pressure or untreated stage 1 hypertension. They must not be on blood pressure medication, have severe kidney disease, life-limiting conditions like advanced cancer, cognitive impairments that prevent participation in the intervention, an arm too large for BP cuffs used in the study, active substance abuse issues, or be involved in another BP-focused study.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Implementation
Cluster randomized trial in barbershops to compare Barbershop-based Facilitation strategy vs. self-directed control on BP reduction and HTN prevention
Post-implementation
Evaluation of the sustainability of the Barbershop-based Facilitation strategy and cost-effectiveness over a 10-year horizon
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after the main trial
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Barbershop-Based Facilitation (BF)
- Community-to-Clinic Linkage Implementation Program in Barbershops (CLIP)
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
NYU Langone Health
Lead Sponsor
American Heart Association
Collaborator