COVID-19 Risk Reduction Among African American Parishioners
COVID-19 Risk Reduction Among African American Parishioners
African American adults, specifically those managing chronic disease and social isolation,
 are one of the most vulnerable groups susceptible to COVID-19. This intervention involves a
 multi-disciplinary and culturally sensitive approach to address two major COVID-19 related
 challenges in this population. First, this program collaborates with predominantly African
 American churches to implement Federal and State guidelines aimed at preventing outbreaks of
 COVID-19 at faith-based gatherings. Second, this program trains church-based health advisors
 to help African American older parishioners manage their chronic health conditions and reduce
 psychological distress during the pandemic.
To jointly implement and evaluate a telehealth-based, multidisciplinary, culturally-sensitive
 intervention with 265 AA older parishioners: (i) To mitigate the negative impact of COVID-19
 on the management of chronic health conditions, and (ii) to reduce healthcare avoidance
 behaviors and psychological distress.
Inclusion Criteria:

 -  African American older adults aged 65 years

 -  Have at least one risk factor for COVID-19

 Exclusion Criteria:

 -  Resident of care facility

 -  Cognitive deficit (identified by short version of mini-mental instrument)

 -  Does not self-identify as African American and/or Black

 -  Under the age of 65

 -  Unable to speak and/or read English