Grant Title

Funding Source

Funding Period

Grant Team

Brief Description

Effectiveness of a Computerized Cardiac Depression Screen on Improving Depression and Medical Outcomes

NIH

04/04-03/06

Completed

Tina Harralson, PhD, PI

Polaris, Inc.

The purpose of this multi-site study was to test and validate the effectiveness of a computerized depression screen cardiac patients. Participants were followed for 2-years to track hospitalizations and coronary events in relationship to depression scores. 

Barriers to Seeking and Sustaining Cardiovascular Care

NIA

08/05-07/07

Completed

Tina Harralson, PhD, PI

Renee E. Walker, MPH

Matthew McLaughlin, BS

Marcia Polansky, ScD

This study examines barriers to seeking prompt emergency care for acute ischemia symptoms and to determine how these barriers impede sustained cardiovascular care.  Participants are predominantly older African Americans who are hospitalized for AMI or unstable angina.  Patient interviews are conducted at time of event and 3 and 6 months post event.

Increasing Physical Activity and Well-being Among Older African Americans

AES

07/06-06/07

Completed

Tina Harralson, PhD, PI

Matthew McLaughlin, BS

Center in the Park

This study examines the impact of an exercise program on physical and psychosocial outcomes among older African Americans.  Fitness tests, questionnaires and focus groups are used to assess physical and psychosocial outcomes. 

Modeling Effective Obesity Treatment to Reduce Disparities through Primary Care

Pennsylvania Department of Health Commonwealth Universal Research Enhancement (C.U.R.E.) Program

06/06-05/10

In Progress

Shiriki Kumanyika, PhD, MPH, PI

Etienne Phipps, PhD, Co-PI

Tina Harralson, PhD, Co-PI

Matthew McLaughlin, BS

This study will test the effectiveness of a weight management program in treating adulthood obesity among African Americans and Latinos.  The program will be administered in primary care settings and will consist of a combination of diet and physical activity counseling in addition to support in making and sustaining lifestyle changes.

Exercise, Metabolic and Inflammatory Processes in Postmenopausal Minority Women

Pennsylvania Department of Health Commonwealth Universal Research Enhancement (C.U.R.E.) Program

01/07-12/09

In Progress

Tina Harralson, PhD, PI

Matthew McLaughlin, BS

Sister’s In Shape

Marcia Polansky, ScD

This study will assess the impact of an exercise intervention on improving risk factors of Metabolic Syndrome among postmenopausal African American women.  Participant’s blood assays, physical fitness and answers on psychosocial measures will be analyzed pre-and-post intervention. 

Feasibility of Adopting the Mediterranean Diet to Modify Risk Factors Associated with Metabolic Syndrome in Older African American Women

Pennsylvania Department of Health Commonwealth Universal Research Enhancement (C.U.R.E.) Program

01/08-12/09

Funded, not started

Tina Harralson, PhD, PI

Vincent Figueredo, MD, Co-PI

Nadine Uplinder, MS, MHA, RD, CDE, LDN, Co-PI

Matthew McLaughlin, BS

This study will test the feasibility of adopting the Mediterranean Diet among older African American women with Metabolic Syndrome.  Participants will be enrolled in a 6-month intervention to learn about the diet and receive social support in making lifestyle changes.  The impact of the intervention will be obtained by gathering psychosocial and physical measures, including Alc, pre-intervention and 3 and 6 months post intervention.