Community Health Worker Program for Hookah Smoking
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial tests a new program designed to reduce shisha (hookah) smoke exposure at home, focusing on Somali American families. Shisha smoke can harm health by increasing the risk of cancers and other diseases. A community health worker (CHW) will collaborate with families to find ways to lessen exposure to this smoke. This CHW-delivered intervention provides personalized support and strategies. Somali American families with children and at least one adult who uses shisha at home are well-suited for this trial. The study will measure smoke exposure for one adult and one child in each family before and after the program by analyzing specific markers in urine or saliva. As an unphased trial, this study offers families the opportunity to participate in innovative research that could enhance their health and well-being.
Do I have to stop taking my current medications for this trial?
The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It focuses on reducing shisha smoke exposure in the home.
What prior data suggests that this CHW-delivered intervention is safe?
Research has shown that programs involving community health workers (CHWs) are generally well-received and safe. In studies where CHWs assisted people in quitting smoking, they proved effective and did not encounter major safety issues. One study found that CHWs can help more people stop using tobacco. Another study showed that participants in these programs had greater success in quitting smoking compared to those not in the programs.
While specific information on side effects isn't available, these programs typically focus on education and support, which are not known to cause harm. The overall approach is considered safe because it doesn't involve medications or medical procedures.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about the Community Health Worker (CHW)-delivered intervention for hookah smoking because it takes a unique community-focused approach. Unlike standard treatments that might involve individual counseling or nicotine replacement therapies, this intervention works directly with families, particularly Somali American households, to address cultural and social factors influencing shisha use. By leveraging the influence and understanding of community health workers, this method aims to create a supportive environment that can lead to more sustainable behavior change. This culturally tailored strategy holds promise for more effectively reducing hookah use in these communities.
What evidence suggests that this CHW-delivered intervention is effective for reducing shisha smoke exposure?
Research has shown that Community Health Workers (CHWs) can significantly aid individuals in quitting smoking. One review found that people who received support from CHWs were more than three times as likely to stop smoking compared to those without this help. Another study demonstrated that CHWs effectively reduced hookah smoking. In this trial, the CHW-delivered intervention will focus on educating and supporting Somali American families, particularly those with children and at least one adult using shisha at home, to reduce exposure to harmful shisha smoke.12367
Who Is on the Research Team?
April Wilhelm, MD, MPH
Principal Investigator
University of Minnesota
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for Somali American families with at least one adult who uses shisha at home. It aims to help understand and reduce the impact of secondhand smoke from hookah on all family members, including children.Inclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Intervention
CHW-delivered intervention to reduce home shisha SHS exposure with pre-/post-measurements of urine or salivary cotinine levels and surveys
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for changes in shisha use, tobacco product use, and smoke-free home rules
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- CHW-delivered intervention
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
University of Minnesota
Lead Sponsor