Cardiovascular Disease in African Americans: Innovative Community Engagement for Research Recruitment and Impact

Abstract

Historical events and the illumination of unequal treatment of cardiovascular and other diseases among African Americans and their white counterparts have suppressed African Americans' participation in research. Approaches that bring scientific professionals into actual partnership with affected communities show promise for overcoming this reluctance. Two examples are the Jackson Heart Study (JHS) and the emerging Moyo Health Network (MOYO). JHS uses layers of community engagement, including a pioneering effort to develop future health scientists and practitioners, the JHS Undergraduate Training and Education Center (UTEC). JHS-UTEC focuses on preparing young adults and teenagers (mostly African Americans) for rigorous higher-level learning and careers in health research and practice. MOYO is a mobile platform for health research to examine factors contributing to the development of disparities in the young while creating channels to disseminate interventions. Community trust in MOYO is substantially enhanced through its education and training program, which offers engaging ideation events along with app development and coding training opportunities to young people. Participants impart their cultural insights while using newly acquired technology skills to help with the community-focused design and launch of the network. The JHS and MOYO provide models for addressing cardiovascular health disparities by fostering community partnerships.

Keywords: African Americans; Health disparities; cardiovascular disease; community engagement; mHealth; research participation; review; socioeconomic factors.