Translating a Heart Disease Lifestyle Intervention Into the Community

• Change in Physical Activity (minutes/week) [ Time Frame: 3 and 6-months ] [ Designated as safety issue: No ]

  Change from baseline in minutes per week of physical activity measured by accelerometer at 3 and 6-months.

  Change from baseline in minutes per week of physical activity measured by the total weekly physical activity survey at 3 and 6-months.

• Change in Saturated Fat (% of daily kilo-calories from fat) Intake [ Time Frame: 3 and 6-months ] [ Designated as safety issue: No ]
  Change from baseline in saturated fat (% of daily kilo-calories from fat) intake measured by 24-hour food recall at 3 and 6-months

• Change in Blood Pressure (mmHg) [ Time Frame: 3 and 6-months ] [ Designated as safety issue: No ]
  Change from baseline in blood pressure measured in mmHg at 3 and 6-months
• Change in Lipids [ Time Frame: 3 and 6-months ] [ Designated as safety issue: No ]
  Change from baseline in lipids (fasting plasma glucose, total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL-C and LDL-C) assayed following antecubital venipuncture at 3 and 6-months
• Change in Weight (kg) [ Time Frame: 3 and 6-months ] [ Designated as safety issue: No ]
  Change from baseline in body weight in kg measured using calibrated scale at 3 and 6-months
• Change in Fruit/Vegetable Serving Intake [ Time Frame: 3 and 6-months ] [ Designated as safety issue: No ]
  Change from baseline in standard fruit/vegetable serving intake measured at 3 and 6-months
• Change in Self-Efficacy [ Time Frame: 3 and 6-months ] [ Designated as safety issue: No ]
  Change from baseline in self-efficacy measured by the Exercise Confidence Survey and Eating Habits Confidence Survey self reported questionnaire at 3 and 6-months
• Change in Social Support [ Time Frame: 3 and 6-months ] [ Designated as safety issue: No ]
  Change from baseline in social support measured by the Social Support and eating Habits Survey and Social Support Exercise Survey self-report questionnaire at 3 and 6-months

Translating a Heart Disease Lifestyle Intervention in the Community study will evaluate the feasibility and initial effectiveness of a community-based, culturally-targeted, lifestyle intervention to improve the cardiovascular health of underserved South Asian ((Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi, Nepali, and Sri Lankan) Americans. Participants in this study will be randomly assigned to either a group to receive heart disease prevention classes or to another group where they will receive written materials about heart disease prevention.

• Obesity
• Hyperlipidemia
• Hypertension
• Pre-diabetes
• Diabetes

• Behavioral: Lifestyle Intervention
  Participants will enroll in heart disease prevention group sessions focusing on physical activity, diet, weight, and stress management. Each group will have 6 to 8 participants who will attend 6 weekly, 90 minute group education sessions at Metropolitan Asian Family Services. During each session, participants will watch videos on the day's topic followed by discussion, activities, and assistance in setting realistic goals with attention to physical activity, diet, weight, and stress management. Participants will receive telephone support after each session and up to 12 weeks after they have completed the classes to help reinforce learning objectives.
• Other: Primary Care Referral and Print Health Education
  Participants will receive primary care referrals and print health education material about heart disease prevention in the mail.

• Primary Care Referral and Print Health Education
  Intervention: Other: Primary Care Referral and Print Health Education
• Experimental: Lifestyle Intervention
  Intervention: Behavioral: Lifestyle Intervention

Inclusion Criteria:

• South Asians between 30 and 60 years
• Have at least one CHD risk factor: obesity (body mass index > 25 kg/m2- cutoff for obesity in South Asians), hyperlipidemia, hypertension, pre-diabetes, or diabetes.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Inability to speak English, Hindi, or Urdu
• History of clinically evident CVD (e.g. heart attack, stroke)
• Pregnant, lactating, or planning to become pregnant during the study period
• Conditions that inhibit moderate intensity physical activity
• Systolic blood pressure ≥190 or diastolic blood pressure ≥105; Triglycerides ≥ 400
• Using insulin for diabetes
• Significant medical or psychiatric co-morbidities
• Plans to move out of the area within 2 years
• Family/household member enrolled in study