The research team will use a non-randomized, propensity-matched-controlled design to evaluate the effectiveness of the Heart Matters evidence-based program -- previously evaluated for feasibility and efficacy under NCT02707432 -- in improving cardiovascular health outcomes when scaled in multiple rural, eastern North Carolina counties and implemented by community-based facilitators.
This study aims to recruit 210 participants, 70 of whom will be propensity-score-matched with participants from NCT02707432. Propensity-score-matching will allow for flexibility in recruitment, statistical rigor, and resource efficiency. The research team hypothesizes that matched participants in the present study will show significant improvements in health outcomes (systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure) compared to the matched NCT02707432 controls.
