Poster Session 1
Category: Health Equity/Community Health
Poster Session 1
Jesse E. Rattan, MPH, PhD, RN (she/her/hers)
American Heart Association Postdoctoral Research Fellow
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, Alabama, United States
Lynda G. Ugwu, PhD
Assistant Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Center for Research in Women’s Health, University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, Alabama, United States
Kayla Torres-Benson, DrPH
Postdoctoral Researcher
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, Alabama, United States
Vivek V. Shukla, MD
Department of Pediatrics, University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, Alabama, United States
Colm P. Travers, MD, MSPH
Assistant Professor in the Division of Neonatology
Department of Pediatrics, University of Alabama at Birmingham Heersink School of Medicine
Birmingham, Alabama, United States
Rosylen R. Quinney, BA
Clinical Research Coordinator II
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Alabama, United States
Molly B. Richardson, MPH, PhD
University of Alabama at Birmingham
University of Alabama at Birmingham, Alabama, United States
Aduke A. A. Toluhi, DrPH, MD (she/her/hers)
Postdoctoral Research Fellow
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Alabama at Birmingham
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Alabama, United States
Lynetta West, BA
ConnectionHealth
Birmingham, Alabama, United States
Trinita Ashford, MPH
Executive Director
ConnectionHealth
ConnectionHealth, Alabama, United States
Victoria R. Jauk, MPH, MSN
Scientist II
Center for Research in Women’s Health, University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, Alabama, United States
Nancy Saxon, BS, RN
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, Alabama, United States
Nickel Cofield, BS, RN
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Alabama at Birmingham
Center for Research in Women’s Health, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Alabama, United States
Alysia N. Campbell, MBA, MPH
Program Manager II
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, Alabama, United States
Donna E. Dunn, CNM, FNP, PhD
Director of Clinical Research Administration
Center for Research in Women’s Health, University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, Alabama, United States
Eleni Z. Tsigas, BA
Chief Executive Officer
Preeclampsia Foundation
Preeclampsia Foundation, Florida, United States
Justin M. Leach, PhD
Assistant Professor of Biostatistics
Center for Research in Women’s Health, University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, Alabama, United States
Henna Budhwani, MPH, PhD
Endowed Professor
Florida State University College of Nursing
Tallahassee, Florida, United States
Janet M. Turan, MPH, PhD
Professor Health Policy & Organization
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, Alabama, United States
Waldemar A. Carlo, MD
Department of Pediatrics, University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, Alabama, United States
Alan T. Tita, MD, MPH, PhD (he/him/his)
Assoc. Dean for Global & Women’s Health; Chair & Director, Mary Heersink Inst. of Global Health
Center for Research in Women’s Health, University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, Alabama, United States
Rachel G. Sinkey, MD (she/her/hers)
Associate Professor of Obstetrics & Gynecology
Center for Women’s Reproductive Health Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, Alabama, United States
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the #1 killer of women. Adverse pregnancy outcomes (APOs) are associated with future CVD, yet few interventions have targeted the postpartum (PP) period. We evaluated the acceptability of a community health worker (CHW) intervention that aimed to improve PP blood pressure (BP) control and reduce CVD risk among Black women who are disproportionately affected by APOs.
Study Design:
We conducted a single-center, unblinded, parallel-group randomized controlled trial. Eligible participants self-identified as Black and experienced an APO (Table 1). Participants were randomized postpartum to usual care (UC) vs UC + CHW support for 12 weeks. Both groups received a Cuff Kit® home BP monitor and education on APO-related CVD risks and postpartum hypertension. The CHW intervention included weekly contact to provide psychosocial support, coach BP monitoring, assist with connecting to a primary care provider (PCP), and link participants to community resources. The primary outcome was satisfaction, defined by satisfaction scores (1–10 scale) and validated healthcare acceptability scale scores. Secondary outcomes included BP monitoring frequency, mean BP, and PCP appointment scheduling.
Results:
Of 64 approached patients, 95% (61) consented and were randomized (UC n=31; UC + CHW n=30) between September 2024 and April 2025. Median age was 29 years, 61% were parous, 53% had less than ≤ high school diploma, and 64% were publicly insured. Among UC+ CHW participants, 84% (21/25) were extremely satisfied, and 100% (19/19) rated CHW support as highly acceptable (5/5). Over 90% of participants in both groups monitored BP at home. Mean BP obtained clinically at the PP visit was 134/87 mmHg in the UC group vs 127/84 mmHg in the CHW group. PCP appointment scheduling was reported by 65% in the UC group (11/17) and 80% (12/15) in the UC + CHW group (Table 2).
Conclusion:
A CHW-led intervention for PP individuals at elevated CVD risk was feasible and highly acceptable among Black participants. Findings support and our next steps include a larger clinical trial powered to evaluate clinical outcomes.