Cluster Randomized Clinical Trial of FAITH (Faith-Based Approaches in the Treatment of Hypertension) in Blacks

Background: Therapeutic lifestyle change (TLC) is a recommended treatment for patients with hypertension, but its effectiveness in community-based settings remains untested, particularly in black churches—an influential institution for health promotion in black communities. Methods and Results: The FAITH study (Faith-Based Approaches in the Treatment of Hypertension) evaluated the comparative effectiveness of a TLC intervention plus motivational interviewing (MINT) sessions versus health education (HE) alone, on blood pressure (BP) reduction among blacks with uncontrolled hypertension. Data were collected on 373 participants meeting eligibility criteria (self-identification as black, age ≥18 years, self-reported diagnosis of hypertension, and uncontrolled BP [BP ≥140/90 or ≥130/80 mm Hg with diabetes mellitus or chronic kidney disease]) from 32 New York City churches. The MINT-TLC intervention plus motivational interviewing treatment comprised 11 weekly group sessions on TLC plus 3 MINT sessions delivered...