FAITH App

“African-American women have the least optimal cardiovascular (CV) health as outlined by the American Heart Association Life’s Simple 7 (AHA LS7) among all female racial/ethnic groups in the United States. They also are the most physically inactive group. These and other modifiable and biological risk factors such as poor diet, obesity and diabetes combined are attributed to their leading cause of death, cardiovascular disease (CVD). Women are the centerpiece of the African-American community, particularly the faith community, and have significant influence on the health behaviors of others at church, home and within their communities. The majority of the FAITH! study participants were African-American women. Participants had significant improvements in key CV health factors including improved blood pressure control, increased fruit/vegetable intake and doubling of time spent engaging in physical activity. By enrolling both men and women in our study, we are able to examine sex/gender differences in outcomes and use mobile technologies, an area that has not been fully elucidated in our study population. The FAITH! project has created a culture that recognizes the importance of women’s health research and the inclusion of racial/ethnic minority women in clinical trials within cardiology. Through our work, I hope to truly transform the way we conduct women’s health research in underserved populations, particularly among African-Americans, and to disseminate the knowledge gained for the benefit of society.”

– LaPrincess C. Brewer, M.D., M.P.H.