BACKGROUND: African Americans continue to have suboptimal cardiovascular health (CVH) based on the American Heart Association Life's Simple 7 (LS7), 7 health-promoting behaviors and biological risk factors (eg, physical activity, blood pressure). Innovative, community-level interventions in partnership with trusted institutions such as African American churches are potential means to improve CVH in this population. METHODS: Using a community-based participatory research approach, the FAITH! Trial (Fostering African American Improvement in Total Health) rigorously assessed the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of a refined, community-informed, mobile health intervention (FAITH! App) for promoting CVH among African Americans in faith communities using a cluster randomized controlled trial. Participants from 16 churches in Rochester and Minneapolis-St Paul, MN, were randomized to receive the FAITH! App (immediate intervention) or were assigned to a delayed intervention comparator group. The 10 week intervention core features included culturally relevant and LS7-focused education modules, diet/physical activity self-monitoring, and a group sharing board. Data were collected via electronic surveys and health assessments. Primary outcomes were average change in mean LS7 score (continuous measure of CVH ranging from poor to ideal (0 to 14 points)) from baseline to 6 months post-intervention (using generalized estimating equations) and app engagement/usability (by the Health Information Technology Usability Evaluation Scale; range, 0 to 5). RESULTS: Of 85 enrolled participants (randomized to immediate (N = 41) and delayed (control) intervention (N = 44) groups), 76 and 68 completed surveys/health assessments at baseline and 6 months post-intervention, respectively (80% retention rate with assessments at both baseline and 6-month time points); immediate intervention (N = 30) and control (N = 38) groups). At baseline, the majority of participants (mean age (SD), 54.2 (12.3) years, 71% female) had < 4 year college education level (39/66, 59%) and poor CVH (44% in poor category; mean LS7 score (SD), 6.8 (1.9)). The mean LS7 score of the intervention group increased by 1.9 (SD 1.9) points compared with 0.7 (SD 1.7) point in the control group (both p < 0.0001) at 6 months. The estimated difference of this increase between the groups was 1.1 (95%CI 0.6 to 1.7, p < 0.0001). App engagement/usability was overall high (100% connection to app, > 75% completed weekly diet/physical activity tracking, Health Information Technology Usability Evaluation Scale, mean (SD), 4.2 (0.7)). CONCLUSIONS: On the basis of preliminary findings, the refined FAITH! App appears to be an efficacious mobile health tool to promote ideal CVH among African Americans.
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