Fuller Felicia T, Johnson-Turbes Ashani, Hall Mary Ann K, Osuji Thearis A
Mission Programs, Community Health Services at the American Lung Association in Chicago, IL, USA.
J Health Care Poor Underserved. 2012 Feb;23(1):99-113. doi: 10.1353/hpu.2012.0012.
African Americans are at significantly greater risk than non-Hispanic Whites or Hispanics for cognitive impairment. This study presents an evaluation of the Alzheimer's Association's Healthy Brain Initiative, a culturally tailored community-level intervention to increase knowledge and awareness of brain health among African American baby boomers.
The evaluation used a mixed-method design with data collection before, during, and after intervention implementation.
The intervention was implemented with fidelity to model design by Alzheimer's Association chapters. Partnerships between chapters and community organizations to increase awareness of brain health among African American baby boomers were facilitated. Community members who participated in intervention workshops demonstrated increased knowledge, awareness, and intentions to engage in recommended health-protective behaviors.
A community-level intervention can increase knowledge and awareness of brain health among African American baby boomers. In addition, such interventions can motivate participants' intentions to engage in health-protective behaviors to maintain overall health and brain health.
非裔美国人比非西班牙裔白人或西班牙裔人面临认知障碍的风险要高得多。本研究对阿尔茨海默病协会的健康大脑倡议进行了评估，这是一项针对文化特点进行调整的社区层面干预措施，旨在提高非裔美国婴儿潮一代对大脑健康的认识。
该评估采用混合方法设计，在干预实施前、实施期间和实施后收集数据。
阿尔茨海默病协会各分会严格按照模型设计实施了干预措施。各分会与社区组织之间建立了合作伙伴关系，以提高非裔美国婴儿潮一代对大脑健康的认识。参加干预工作坊的社区成员在知识、意识以及参与推荐的健康保护行为的意愿方面均有所提高。
社区层面的干预措施可以提高非裔美国婴儿潮一代对大脑健康的认识。此外，此类干预措施可以激发参与者采取健康保护行为以维持整体健康和大脑健康的意愿。
