Project Title: Evaluating the Implementation and Adoption of the Nationally Disseminated Body & Soul Program
PI: Marlyn Allicock
Institution: UNC Chapel Hill

Synopsis: This study will evaluate the implementation and adoption of the nationally disseminated evidence-based nutrition wellness program, Body & Soul, among African American churches. Action in Time to Save Lives (ACTS of Wellness) is a randomized, community-based colorectal screening intervention delivered via African American churches in two urban areas: Raleigh - Durham NC and Flint Michigan. This evaluation will use the RE-AIM framework as a guide to assess sustainability of the peer counseling training skills; the integration of fruits and vegetables into church activities; church environment and policy changes; and involvement of the pastor.

Project Title: The Mothers and Daughters HIV/AIDS Prevention Series: The Power of Intergenerational Communication and Experience
PI: Michele Tracy Berger
Institution: UNC Chapel Hill

Synopsis:This study examines communication about health and, in particular, sexual health between African American mothers and their daughters (ages 12-15). A pilot intervention will be implemented, pairing ten mothers and ten daughters. It seeks to answer the question: Can an intergenerational intervention targeting both mothers and their adolescent daughters be effective in reducing risks associated with HIV/AIDS? The long term goal is to create a culturally competent model that addresses the complex needs of African American mothers and daughters in reducing HIV risk and encouraging collective empowerment through a community health approach.

Project Title: Better Beginnings: A Feasibility Test of Brief, Culturally Relevant Treatment for Depression in Pregnant Low-Income Adolescents
PI: Sara E Bledsoe
Institution: UNC Chapel Hill

Synopsis:This study proposes to test the feasibility and acceptability of a brief, culturally relevant treatment for perinatal depression (Better Beginnings) in pregnant low-income, racial/ethnic minority adolescents and to examine differences between participants' pre- and post-treatment depression scores. The Better Beginnings study will use a pretest / posttest design with a multiple case and continuous assessment strategy to test the feasibility and acceptability of Better Beginnings in a sample of depressed, pregnant adolescents receiving prenatal care at Wake or Alamance County Human Services prenatal care clinics. Ultimately, if further testing supports the effectiveness of Better Beginnings, clinicians will be trained to assess for depression in pregnant adolescents and implement the Better Beginnings intervention, allowing the program to be maintained through Medicaid billable services.

Project Title: Dietary Patterns and Obesity Risk Among Latino Infants & Toddlers in NC
PI: Krista Perreira
Institution: UNC Chapel Hill

Synopsis:This project will explore how Latino caregivers of infants either protect or promote risks of obesity through formative research among 24 low-income Latina mothers and their 12-15 month old infants, investigating specifically the relationships between migration, acculturation, infant and toddler diet, and risk of obesity. Dietary, anthropometric, and infant feeding/styles survey and observational data among mothers and infants will be collected during home visits. This project will make a strong contribution to nutrition and nutrigenomics research, lead to recommendations for pediatric practice, and potentially impact a public health problem of great magnitude among a high-risk population.

Project Title: Cultural Attitudes and Expectations Regarding Intimate Relationships Among African Americans
PI: Chanequa Walker-Barnes
Institution: Shaw University

Synopsis:This pilot study will explore cultural attitudes and expectations about intimate heterosexual relationships, with particular emphasis upon the impact of gender and racial identities upon relationship formation and maintenance. Moreover, because African American religious institutions are an important site for socialization regarding processes in intimate relationships, this study will examine how religious teachings shape expectations regarding gender roles and relationships. Interviews will be conducted with thirty-six African American adults, comprised of two cohorts. The aim of the project is the development of a culturally appropriate educational program to improve the stability and functioning of intimate relationships among African American couples.