Peer Support Dyads in Churches

The purpose of this study is to explore how working with a partner can influence participation in a church wellness program. There are many different types of church wellness programs. Church members are more likely to participate and achieve goals in these programs when they have peer support. The researcher would like to know what African American men and women think about working with a support partner. This information will help researchers design better church wellness programs. The participants are being asked to take part in this research because the investigators believe that it is helpful to share feelings and thoughts about experiences working with a partner to achieve health goals. This knowledge will be used to create church wellness programs that will help African American men and women prevent disease and live healthier lives.

Phase I: At baseline and at post-intervention, participant height, weight, BMI, fruit and vegetable intake and exercise habits will be measured. Participants will complete surveys and meet each week to learn about nutrition and exercise. Phase II: Dyads will attend a communication training session to discuss 1) benefits of working with a partner; 2) supportive communication tips; and 3) expected activities for the next 8 weeks, including filling out daily logs. After the training session, the dyads will work together to achieve their health goals. The dyads will return to the church for two check in sessions. At these sessions, participants will turn in their logs, and be weighed. At the end of the intervention, BMI will be reassessed, and surveys and interviews will be completed.

Retention will be calculated from the number of participants who continue to Phase II out of the number who complete Phase I (>50% attendance), and the attrition rate.

Measured by ten item feasibility survey, scored based on 5-point Likert scale administered at week 18, the last week of the program. Feasibility was measured on a scale of 1-5, where 1=strongly disagree that program component was acceptable or feasible, and 5=strongly agree that program component was acceptable or feasible)

A mixed model using intraclass correlation will be used used to assess changes in participant weight pre and post intervention.

Goal Attainment as Measured by Number of Participants Consuming 7 or More Fruits and Vegetables Per Day

A mixed model using intraclass correlation will be used to assess changes in participant fruit and vegetable intake pre and post intervention.

A mixed model using intraclass correlation will be used to assess changes in physical activity at weeks 1 and 18 pre and post intervention.

Inclusion Criteria: The inclusion criteria will be churches with mostly African American members. Participant criteria will be: ages >=18 or older who identify as African American Attend church at least once per week Speak, read and write English Willing to complete study activities and assessments Able to engage in moderate physical activity. (e.g., walking - based on their own activity level and assessment). Exclusion Criteria: -