A mixed methods pilot feasibility study of a primary care-based dyadic cardiovascular risk reduction intervention: “Heart Care Pairs”

Kaylee Crockett, Ph.D.
University of Alabama at Birmingham

Project Goals and Relevance

Project Objectives:

The Heart Care Pairs pilot feasibility study aims to assess the effectiveness of a dyadic lifestyle intervention delivered in primary care settings. The intervention focuses on collaborative goal-setting, enhanced interpersonal communication, and behavior changes such as improved diet, increased physical activity, and stress reduction. It evaluates how engaging patients with hypertension (HTN) and their supportive care partners can lead to improved cardiovascular health and reduced health disparities.

Target Population:

Primary care patients with HTN and their chosen supportive partners, particularly those from communities in Birmingham, Alabama, facing healthcare access inequities.

Relevance to Community:

Hypertension disproportionately impacts Black adults and those from lower-income households in the Southeastern U.S., resulting in significant disparities in cardiovascular health outcomes. This project addresses these inequities by utilizing team-based care and community-informed interventions to enhance community health and provide equitable access to resources.

Intervention/Approach

Strategies Used:

The Heart Care Pairs intervention employs the following strategies:

Cultural Relevance:

To ensure the intervention aligns with participants’ lived experiences, input is actively sought from community stakeholders, primary care providers, and participating dyads. By including supportive partners beyond traditional family roles (e.g., friends, neighbors), the project broadens its reach and acknowledges the diverse social networks present in communities facing systemic health disparities.

Expected Outcomes

• Feasibility and Acceptability: Demonstrate that the intervention can be successfully delivered and accepted in primary care practices, with >70% session attendance and high satisfaction rates among participants.
• Behavioral Improvements: Anticipated enhancements in diet, physical activity, medication adherence, and stress management among participants.
• Enhanced Social Support Dynamics: Improved communication and goal alignment within dyads, fostering sustainable behavior changes.
• Provider Satisfaction: Positive feedback from primary care providers on the intervention’s relevance and integration into their workflow.

Community Action Tips

Inspired by the Heart Care Pairs project? Here are actionable steps to improve heart health:

• Team Up: Enlist a supportive partner to set and share health goals, such as increasing daily physical activity or adopting a heart-healthy diet. (source: “Healthy Lifestyle Tips with Family Support.” CDC Family Health)
• Communicate Openly: Discuss challenges and successes with your partner to maintain motivation. (source: Mayo Clinic. “The Importance of Communication in Health Goals.” Mayo Clinic Communication)
• Take Small Steps: Begin with manageable changes, like replacing one sugary snack with a healthier option or walking for 20 minutes a day. (source: American Heart Association. “Small Steps to a Healthier Heart.” AHA Small Steps)

Recruitment Details

Participation Information:

The study is currently recruiting primary care patients with hypertension and their supportive partners.

Eligibility Criteria:

Participants must be:

• Diagnosed with hypertension and receiving primary care.
• Residing in communities in Birmingham, Alabama, facing healthcare access inequities.
• Able to participate with a supportive partner in the intervention.

Contact Information:

For more information, please contact the research team at heartcarepairs@uabmc.edu.

Learn more about Kaylee and her research

Not eligible to participate? Take control of your health with resources from the American Heart Association, or connect with local programs through your primary care clinic.