A Randomized Control Trial of Conversations Advancing Resilience and Empowerment (CARE) Intervention

Summary

The investigators propose to implement and evaluate the effectiveness of the peer-led CARE Intervention designed to mitigate health differences among rural and low-income communities in Texas. This intervention leverages the expertise of Community Health Workers (CHWs) to empower rural and low-income communities, improving health outcomes through outreach, education, counseling, and social support.

Detailed Description

The investigators will employ a randomized controlled trial through which individual participants will be randomized to either the intervention or control group. Randomization will be achieved by employing a computer program containing a random number generator (e.g., R). Given the study will be conducted at two sites (Rio Grande Valley and Harris County), randomization and subsequent clinical trials will be conducted independently at each site for feasibility and practicability. Participants in the control group will receive no intervention, but will be invited to receive health education sessions after the follow-up period has ended at 6-months post intervention. Trained interventionists (e.g., CHWs) will deliver the intervention across four in-person visits and provide verbal reinforcement using implementation scripts, evidence-based skills (e.g., motivational interviewing, protocol-based counseling, health education) to leverage opportunities during conversations with participants to address flawed information and provide accurate information about quality of life-wellness-mental health (Session #1), blood pressure (Session #2), nutrition (Session #3), and physical activity (Session #4). Interventionists will utilize their CARE facilitators guide with embedded scripts to address inaccurate information on quality of life-wellness-mental health, blood pressure, nutrition, and physical activity and gently challenge/provide accurate information and sources. Throughout the study period, the participants will complete the CARE + CS4 survey online via a Qualtrics or REDcap link for both study arms at 4 (four) timepoints: baseline, post-intervention, 3 months after intervention, and 6 months after intervention. The CARE + CS4 survey is a153 item questionnaire that will evaluate Health-related Quality of Life; Flawed information, Health Knowledge, Attitudes, and Beliefs; Health Behavior (Measuring and monitoring blood pressure), physical activity, nutrition, sleep); Physical and Mental Wellbeing; Social Needs, and Healthcare Utilization among participants.

Eligibility Criteria

Interventions