Dietary Behavior Intervention in African Americans at Risk for Cardiovascular Disease

Background: The risk of heart disease among African Americans is still common despite a greater understanding of the disease and better approaches to managing it. Healthy cooking and eating patterns can help reduce the risk of heart disease. But things like access to grocery stores and knowledge of good nutrition can affect these healthy patterns. Researchers want to see if community-based programs can help. Objective: To learn about the cooking behaviors of African American adults at risk for heart disease. Also, to see if a community-based cooking intervention will affect home-cooking behaviors. Eligibility: African American adults 18 and older who live in Wards 7 and 8 of Washington, D.C., and have at least one self-reported risk factor for heart disease Design: Phase I participants will complete a survey. It asks about their medical history, lifestyle, stress level, and eating habits. They will take part in a focus group. During this, they will talk about what they eat and what foods are available to them. Participation lasts 1 day for 3 hours at Pennsylvania Avenue Baptist Church in Washington, D.C. Phase II participants will go to shared cooking events at Pennsylvania Avenue Baptist Church. These will be held once a week for 6 weeks. They will be led by a trained chef. Participants will visit the NIH Clinical Center 3 times. Transportation will be provided if they need it. They will have physical exams and have blood drawn. They will be interviewed and complete questionnaires. A dietician will review the food they eat. An occupational therapist will assess their cooking skills. They will keep a daily cooking journal. Participation lasts 18 weeks.