Preparing a Food is Medicine Intervention to Promote Healthy Eating and Blood Pressure Control

The objective of this study is to conduct the RN-CHeFRx (Real Nourishment and Cooking Healthy Food is Rx) for 12 weeks among Black women who are obese and hypertensive living Chicago. We propose to 1) Pilot the RN-CHEFRx intervention and measures that will be used to assess blood pressure, BMI status, and sodium intake with 20 Black women diagnosed with hypertension and BMI ≥ 30. We will assess the efficacy of the evaluation tools to be used in a future clinical trial at three-time points (baseline, 12 weeks, and 6 months); and 2) Assess the feasibility and acceptability of the RN-CHeFRx intervention using interviews, surveys, and documentary analysis. Findings from this study will inform a larger efficacy trial of RN-CHeFRx to improve dietary behaviors and blood pressure control among Black women with hypertension and obesity.

Primary Outcome Measures

1. Number of participants who complete the 12 week intervention
   Completion will be measured by class attendance
2. Number of participants recruited
   Patients recruited, screened, eligible and consented to participate in the study
3. Number of participants who complete data collection visits
   Completion measured by participants completing surveys, blood pressure measurements, and those who provide blood biospecimens
4. Acceptability of the intervention
   Assessed via participant feedback
5. Change in mean blood pressures (mmHg) during intervention
   Change will be measured by comparing blood pressures from baseline to 12 weeks
6. dietary intake during intervention
   Dietary intake at baseline and 12 weeks

Secondary Outcome Measures

1. Change in body weight during intervention
   Change will be measured by comparing body weight obtained at baseline and 12 weeks
2. Change in body weight at 6 months
   Change will be measured by comparing body weight (kg) obtained at 12 weeks and at 24 weeks.
3. Change in blood pressure at 6 months
   Change will be measured by comparing systolic and diastolic blood pressure at 12 weeks to 24 weeks
4. Dietary intake during post-intervention
   Dietary intake from 12 weeks to 24 weeks