Overview
The investigators hypothesize that communities in which religious leaders are provided with education about blood pressure and how to measure blood pressure will have lower overall average blood pressures than communities in which religious leaders do not receive education about blood pressure.
Description
This research is being done to determine whether the Religious Engagement in Health Intervention can reduce community blood pressure. The study is being conducted in the Northwestern Tanzania. 20 communities will be involved: 10 will be randomized to the Religious Engagement in Health Intervention arm, and 10 will be randomized to the control arm. The Religious Engagement in Health Intervention includes the following three evidence-based components: (1) educational sessions for Christian and Muslim leaders on religious teachings and medical aspects of blood pressure, (2) equipping religious leaders to provide blood pressure teaching in their communities using knowledge learned from educational sessions and through longitudinal mentorship meetings, and (3) community blood pressure screening organized by religious leaders in partnership with local health care workers, and referrals for clinical care as needed.
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria:
- Adult ≥35 years of age
- Has lived in the community for ≥1 year
- Household identified for random sampling is primary residence: has slept in the household at least once in the past 2 weeks and considers this their primary residence
Exclusion Criteria:
- First-degree relative from the same household already enrolled
- Relative of the same sex from the same household already enrolled