COVID-19 Vaccine Policy Implementation and Differential Vaccine Uptake Trajectories in Chicago Communities.

BACKGROUND: Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, multiple public health interventions have been implemented to respond to the rapidly evolving pandemic and community needs. This article describes the scope, timing, and impact of coordinated strategies for COVID-19 vaccine uptake in Chicago for the first year of vaccine distribution. METHODS: Using a series of interviews with public health officials and leaders of community-based organizations (CBOs) who participated in the implementation of the citywide COVID-19 vaccine outreach initiatives, we constructed a timeline of vaccine outreach initiatives. The timeline was matched to the vaccine uptake rates to explore the impact of the vaccine outreach initiatives by community area. Finally, we discussed the nature of policy initiatives and the level of vaccine uptake in relation to community characteristics. RESULTS: The Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) implemented myriad vaccine outreach strategies, including mass vaccination sites, improved access, and community-level vaccine campaigns. Protect Chicago+ was the primary vaccine outreach effort initiated by the CDPH, which identified 15 highly vulnerable community areas. More than 2.7 million (67%) Chicagoans completed the vaccine regimen by December 2021. Black (51.3%) Chicagoans were considerably less likely to be vaccinated than Asian (77.6%), White (69.8%), and Hispanic (63.6%) Chicago residents. In addition, there were significant spatial differences in the rate of COVID-19 vaccine completion: predominantly White and Hispanic communities, compared with Black communities, had higher rates of vaccine completion. CONCLUSIONS: The community outreach efforts to improve COVID-19 vaccine uptake in Chicago have shown the importance of community-engaged approaches in pandemic responses. Despite citywide efforts to build community infrastructure, Black communities had relatively lower levels of vaccine uptake than other communities. Broader social restructuring to mitigate disinvestment and residential segregation and to ameliorate medical mistrust will be needed to prepare for future pandemics and disasters.

Feasibility of promoting physical activity using mHEALTH technology in rural women: the step-2-it study.

BACKGROUND: Rural women are more likely to be obese and have a higher risk for chronic disease than their non-rural counterparts. Inadequate physical activity (PA) at least in part contributes to this increased risk. Rural women face personal, social and environmental barriers to PA engagement. Interventions promoting walking among rural women have demonstrated success; however, few of these studies use text messaging to promote PA. METHODS: Step-2-It was a pilot study to assess the feasibility, acceptability, and effectiveness of text-messaging combined with a pedometer to promote PA, specifically walking among English-speaking women, aged 40 and older, living in a rural, northwest Illinois county. Enrolled participants completed baseline assessments, received pedometers and two types of automated text messages: motivational messages to encourage walking, and accountability messages to report pedometer steps. Participants engaged in 3, 6, 9, and 12-week follow-ups to download pedometer data, and completed post-intervention assessments at 12 weeks. RESULTS: Of the 44 enrolled participants, 35 participants (79.5%) completed the intervention. Among completers, the proportion meeting PA guidelines increased from 31.4% (11/35) at baseline to 48.6% (17/35) at post-intervention, those with no PA decreased from 20% (7/35) to 17.1% (6/35). During weeks 1-12, when participants received motivational text messages, average participant daily step count was 5926 ± 3590, and remained stable during the intervention. Pedometer readings were highly correlated with self-reported steps (r = 0.9703; p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Step-2-It was a feasible and acceptable walking intervention for older rural women. Technology, including text messaging, should be investigated further as an enhancement to interventions for rural women. Trial Registration on Clinicaltrials.gov: NCT04812756, registered on March 22, 2021.

Physical activity and masculinity in rural men: a qualitative study of men recruited from churches.

The majority of rural US men fail to meet physical activity (PA) guidelines and are at risk for chronic diseases. This study sought to understand rural men's perceptions about PA and PA engagement and the influence of masculinity and social norms. From 2011 to 2014, 12 focus groups were conducted with men prior to a church-based health promotion intervention. Men were recruited from Illinois' rural, southernmost seven counties, where 40% of men report no exercise in the past 30 days. We used inductive content analysis methods to identify PA-related themes, and subsequently used elements of the Health, Illness, Men, and Masculinities framework as a lens to explore subthemes. We identified four themes: (i) knowledge of the positive impact of PA on health, (ii) perceptions of appropriate types of PA for men, (iii) the importance of purposeful PA and (iv) the desire to remain strong and active, particularly during aging. These findings can inform strategies for messaging and interventions to promote PA among rural men. Health promotion efforts should consider the intersections between rurality and masculinity as it relates to rural men's perceptions of PA, include information about purposeful PA and encourage them to engage in PA with a support person.

Rural Women's Perceptions About Cancer Disparities and Contributing Factors: a Call to Communication.

Rural cancer disparities are increasingly documented in the USA. Research has identified and begun to address rural residents' cancer knowledge and behaviors, especially among women. Little, however, is known about rural female residents' awareness of cancer inequities and perceived contributing factors affecting them and their families. The purpose of this study was to address these gaps in the literature via a secondary analysis of qualitative needs assessment in Illinois' rural southernmost seven counties, a geographic region with relatively high rates of cancer incidence, morbidity, and mortality. A convenience sample of 202 rural adult female residents was recruited and participated in 26 focus groups, with 3-13 women per group. Inductive content analysis, guided by the principle of constant comparison, was used to analyze the qualitative data. Most respondents indicated their awareness of disproportionate cancer burden in their communities. Individual-level behaviors and environmental toxins were identified as contributing factors. Interestingly, however, environmental toxins were more often discussed as factors contributing to geographic differences, whereas individual-level behaviors were noted as important for overall cancer prevention and control. This study provides important insight into female rural residents' perspectives and offers novel venues for educational programs and research in the context of communication to eliminate disparities.

Lifestyle intervention and cardiovascular disease risk reduction in low-income Hispanic immigrant women participating in the Illinois WISEWOMAN program.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death for Hispanic women in the United States. In 2001, the Illinois Department of Public Health received funding from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to implement the enhanced WISEWOMAN program (IWP) to address the disproportionate CVD risk among uninsured and underinsured women enrolled in the Illinois Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program. This paper presents the results of the Spanish-language arm of the IWP. Spanish speaking IWP participants were recruited from two sites, and randomized into either the minimum intervention (MI) or the enhanced intervention (EI) group. Both groups received CVD risk factor screening and educational handouts. The EI group also received an integrated 12-week nutrition and physical activity lifestyle change intervention. Of the 180 Spanish-speaking immigrants in this sample, 90 (50%) received the EI and 90 (50%) received the MI. At baseline there were no significant differences between group demographics or clinical values. At post-intervention, the EI group showed improvements in fat intake, fiber intake, moderate intensity physical activity, and total physical activity. At 1 year only the change in fiber intake remained. A significant improvement was also seen in body mass index (BMI) at the 1-year follow-up. The IWP Spanish-language arm was moderately successful in addressing risk factors for CVD in this population. The behavior changes that sustained up to a year were an increase in fiber intake and a decrease in BMI.

COVID-19 behavioral questionnaire (CoBQ): Comparing the pandemic's impact on health behavior in three US states.

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic impacted daily routines for a majority of the population, with implications for their health behaviors. Racial and ethnic minorities have been disproportionately impacted by COVID-19. The novel COVID-19 Behavioral Questionnaire (CoBQ) was developed in Fall 2020 to provide a means to measure the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the United States population. The study utilized behavioral domains to determine which demographic groups reported that they were made the most vulnerable during Fall-Winter 2020-2021 of the pandemic. Objectives: The study aimed to further validate and test the CoBQ in varied US regions and compare the scores obtained from three states, California, Ohio, and Illinois. Methods: A prospective, multi-site survey-based study was designed to further validate and test the 17-item CoBQ in varied populations. Respondents included patients on routine visits at each pharmacy or clinical site who agreed to complete the survey online via Qualtrics. Data analyses included descriptive statistics, psychometric testing, and comparison of groups using Analysis of Variance. Results: Completed surveys (n = 507) between October 2021 and March 2021 were analyzed. Respondents were mostly female, white, and had some college education. The CoBQ showed improved reliability compared with previous testing and strong construct validity through factor analysis. Overall scores were similar between three states. The most impacted groups included those who reported within the 18-49 age group, a yearly household income <$50 000, or education up to high school. Conclusions: The CoBQ is the first validated tool to measure the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on health behaviors. Results could serve as a baseline to address the most vulnerable patient groups and support identified behavioral needs during a similar pandemic situation.

COVID-19 Vaccine Attitudes and Barriers among Unvaccinated Residents in Rural Northern/Central Illinois.

Background: Rural communities have lower COVID-19 vaccine uptake and poorer health outcomes compared to non-rural communities, including in rural, northern/central Illinois. Understanding community perceptions about vaccination is critical for developing targeted responses to improve vaccine uptake in rural communities and meet global vaccination targets. Purpose: This study examines COVID-19 vaccine attitudes and barriers as well as the impact of COVID-19 on specific health behaviors of residents in rural northern/central Illinois to inform efforts to increase vaccine uptake. Methods: In collaboration with community partners and local health departments, we conducted a 54-item, English-language, online questionnaire from Feb 11 to March 22, 2021; the questionnaire included the COVID behavioral questionnaire scale (CoBQ), as well as questions on intention to vaccinate, vaccination attitudes, and barriers to vaccine access. Descriptive and bivariate analyses assessed participant differences based on intention to vaccinate. Results: Most unvaccinated survey respondents (n = 121) were White (89.3%) and female (78.5%), with an average age of 52.3±14.1 years. Lack of intention to vaccinate was negatively associated with trust in the science behind vaccine development (P = .040), belief in the safety of the vaccine (P = .005) and belief that the vaccine was needed (P=.050). CoBQ scores of respondents who intended to get vaccinated differed significantly from those who did not (P<.001), showing a greater negative impact of COVID-19 on engaging in health behaviors for vaccine-hesitant participants. Conclusion: Study findings show mistrust of science and lack of confidence in vaccine safety are barriers to vaccination in rural northern Illinois residents. Similar results have been reported in low- and middle-income countries.

Primary care for the urban poor in India during the pandemic: Uninterrupted management of non-communicable diseases and home-based care of patients with COVID-19 infection.

Problem: The two waves of COVID-19 severely affected the healthcare system in India. The government responded to the first wave with a strict nationwide lockdown which disrupted primary care, including the management of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). The second wave overwhelmed healthcare facilities leading to inadequate access to hospital services. Collectively, these issues required urgent responses, including the adaptation of primary care. Approach: The Low-Cost Effective Care Unit (LCECU) of Christian Medical College, Vellore (CMC) has a network of community volunteers, community health workers, an outreach nurse, social workers and doctors who operate clinics in six poorer areas of Vellore. The network adapted quickly, responding to the lockdown during the first wave and ensuring ongoing primary care for patients with non-communicable diseases. During the second wave, the team developed a system in collaboration with other CMC departments to provide home-based care for patients with COVID-19. Local setting: The LCECU is a 48-bed unit of the Department of Family Medicine, part of the 3,000-bed CMC. It originated in 1982, aiming to care for the poor populations of Vellore town. It has been actively working among urban communities since 2002, with a focus on delivering Community Oriented Primary Care (COPC), for six poor urban communities since 2016. Relevant changes: During the first wave of COVID the LCECU team ensured patients with NCDs had uninterrupted primary care and medications by visiting them in their homes. The team also addressed food insecurity by organizing a daily lunch service for 600 people for over 2 months. In the second wave, the team responded to community needs by organizing and delivering home-based care to monitor patients affected by COVID-19. Lessons learned: The COVID-19 pandemic raises many questions about the preparedness of health systems for disasters that disproportionately affect marginalized populations globally. COVID-19 is only one of the many potential disasters, including non-communicable diseases, mental health problems, pollution, climate change, and lifestyle illness. There is an urgent need to study models of care that support vulnerable communities in an accessible, cost-effective, and patient-oriented way, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. This paper outlines lessons on how the LCECU team addressed disaster management:1. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of primary care-based rapid response interventions in disaster management.2. The LCECU model demonstrated the effectiveness of a primary care intervention based on pre-existing networks and familiarity between primary care teams and the community.3. Establishing community-based health care via interdisciplinary teams, including community health workers, community volunteers, outreach nurses, and doctors, is key.4. Addressing other social determinants of health, such as food insecurity, is an important component of care delivery.

Effectiveness of a Faith-placed Cardiovascular Health Promotion Intervention for Rural Adults.

INTRODUCTION: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of mortality in the US. Further, rural US adults experience disproportionately high CVD prevalence and mortality compared to non-rural. Cardiovascular risk-reduction interventions for rural adults have shown short-term effectiveness, but long-term maintenance of outcomes remains a challenge. Faith organizations offer promise as collaborative partners for translating evidence-based interventions to reduce CVD. METHODS: We adapted and implemented a collaborative, faith-placed, CVD risk-reduction intervention in rural Illinois. We used a quasi-experimental, pre-post design to compare changes in dietary and physical activity among participants. Intervention components included Heart Smart for Women (HSFW), an evidence-based program implemented weekly for 12 weeks followed by Heart Smart Maintenance (HSM), implemented monthly for two years. Participants engaged in HSFW only, HSM only, or both. We used regression and generalized estimating equations models to examine changes in outcomes after one year. RESULTS: Among participants who completed both baseline and one-year surveys (n = 131), HSFW+HSM participants had significantly higher vegetable consumption (p = .007) and combined fruit/vegetable consumption (p = .01) compared to the HSM-only group at one year. We found no differences in physical activity. CONCLUSION: Improving and maintaining CVD-risk behaviors is a persistent challenge in rural populations. Advancing research to improve our understanding of effective translation of CVD risk-reduction interventions in rural populations is critical.

The TEACH trial: Tailored education to assist label comprehension and health literacy.

BACKGROUND: Prior work demonstrated significantly improved prescription label comprehension and functional health literacy (FHL) using an educational intervention and redesigned prescription label. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to assess the effectiveness of the educational intervention to improve prescription label understanding using three factors: (1) redesigned prescription label, (2) previously validated MLT and (3) pillbox fill test. METHODS: English-speaking patrons ≥55 years old taking ≥2 prescription medications were recruited in this prospective, multisite, randomized, controlled, pre-post study, in California, Illinois, and Ohio. Participants completed the MLT (25 points) as a test of label comprehension and filled a 7 × 4 pillbox (Pillbox test, 35 points) at baseline and 1-month follow-up. The intervention group received tailored education by a student or pharmacist on how to read the label based on their response to the MLT and Pillbox Test. RESULTS: Combined data analysis was conducted of the 92 (63.4%) completed follow-ups from all sites. Baseline characteristics were comparable between control and intervention groups. Overall, mean MLT increased in both control and intervention groups (ΔPre-Post: +0.7 point vs. +0.8 point, p < 0.05). Although not statistically significant, pillbox test scores increased by 2.0 points in the intervention group compared to a slight decrease in the control group (-0.8 point, p > 0.05). Significant correlation between MLT and Pillbox scores was observed (r = 0.63, p < 0.05). Subgroup analysis between sites revealed that the CA-site had lower educational background and English proficiency; lower mean MLT and Pillbox Fill pre-scores compared to the IL- and OH-sites, with a statistically significant effect of intervention on MLT and Pillbox post-scores. CONCLUSIONS: This study extended earlier findings that focused education using redesigned Rx labels helped improve Rx label comprehension and observed action. Larger studies are needed to determine the impact on patient outcomes. Patients with lower education, English proficiency, and/or FHL may benefit from education that could translate into improved medication use behavior.

Comparison of the Efficancy and Complication Rates of the Hybrid Maze, Complete Cox-Maze and Catheter Ablation in the Treatment of Atrial Fibrillation.

INTRODUCTION: Atrial fibrillation is the most common cardiac arrhythmia in the United States. It has been associated with a reduction in patient quality of life and more serious complications such as stroke and heart failure. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of commonly performed invasive procedures in keeping patients in normal sinus rhythm. METHODS AND RESULTS: A retrospective chart review was performed on all patients who underwent primary radiofrequency catheter ablation, the complete Cox-maze, or the hybrid maze at OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center between January 2010 and December 2013 (n=140). Immediately post-procedure, arrhythmia recurrence rates did not differ between the groups (p = 0.28). At all follow-up points thereafter, however, differences in procedural efficacy between surgical and catheter therapy remained highly significant (p < 0.001). At 2 years, 20.3% of the catheter ablation patients were in normal sinus rhythm, when compared to 57.9% of hybrid maze and 72.7% the complete Cox-maze groups. A difference in major complication rates was noted (p = 0.04), with the complete Cox-maze having a 17.4%, the hybrid having 22.7%, and the catheter ablation group having 5.6%. CONCLUSIONS: This study was unable to detect differences in the efficacy rates of the surgical procedures, however they were both superior to catheter ablation. Although the hybrid approach is considered minimally invasive, complication rates were similar to those of the complete Cox-maze. Catheter ablation was the safest procedure, and since evidence of reduced mortality after the use of aggressive rhythm therapy is currently lacking, the results suggest that hybrid surgery for atrial fibrillation should be used after the failure of more conservative measures.

Coalition for a Healthier Community: Lessons learned and implications for future work.

The Coalition for a Healthier Community (CHC) initiative was implemented to improve the health and well-being of women and girls. Underpinning CHC is a gender-based focus that uses a network of community partners working collaboratively to generate relevant behavior change and improved health outcomes. Ten programs are trying to determine whether gender-focused system approaches are cost-effective ways to address health disparities in women and girls. Programs implemented through coalitions made up of academic institutions, public health departments, community-based organizations, and local, regional, and national organizations, are addressing health issues such as domestic violence, cardiovascular disease prevention, physical activity, and healthy eating. Although these programs are ongoing, they have made significant progress. Key factors contributing to their early success include a comprehensive needs assessment, robust coalitions, the diversity of populations targeted, programs based on findings of the needs assessments, evaluations taking into consideration the effect of gender, and strong academic-community partnerships. A noteworthy impact of these programs has been their ability to shape and impact public, social, and health policies at the state and local levels. However, there have been challenges associated with the implementation of such a complex program. Lessons learned are discussed in this paper.

Application of a gender-based approach to conducting a community health assessment for rural women in Southern Illinois.

Rural populations in the United States experience unique challenges in health and health care. The health of rural women, in particular, is influenced by their knowledge, work and family commitments, as well as environmental barriers in their communities. In rural southern Illinois, the seven southernmost counties form a region that experiences high rates of cancer and other chronic diseases. To identify, understand, and prioritize the health needs of women living in these seven counties, a comprehensive gender-based community health assessment was conducted with the goal of developing a plan to improve women's health in the region. A gender-analysis framework was adapted, and key stakeholder interviews and focus groups with community women were conducted and analyzed to identify factors affecting ill health. The gender-based analysis revealed that women play a critical role in the health of their families and their communities, and these roles can influence their personal health. The gender-based analysis also identified several gender-specific barriers and facilitators that affect women's health and their ability to engage in healthy behaviors. These results have important implications for the development of programs and policies to improve health among rural women.

Training intervention study participants to disseminate health messages to the community: a new model for translation of clinical research to the community.

Peer education offers a novel strategy for the translation of health promotion interventions in hard-to-reach communities. We describe the development, implementation, and evaluation of a program where research participants from a cardiovascular risk reduction intervention were invited to be trained as peer educators. The goal of the "Heart-to-Heart" intervention was to promote healthy behaviors among peers to reduce cardiovascular disease risk. We recruited and trained 32 peer educators from a rural, Midwestern community to implement the program, and 18 educators reached 175 women and men. A mixed-method analysis revealed that those who opted to become peer educators were more likely to be African American than participants of the study population from which they were recruited. Peer educators reported positive assessments of their encounters with respect to preparation and confidence, as well as reinforced personal health behaviors. Peer educators' success was evident in reports from the individuals they reached, who reported learning new concepts and intention to change behavior. Interviews with peer educators revealed their motivations, peer education barriers, and recommendations. The Heart-to-Heart model for training research participants to serve as peer educators to disseminate behavior change messages warrants further investigation as a strategy for the translation of research to communities.

Heart smart for women: a community-based lifestyle change intervention to reduce cardiovascular risk in rural women.

PURPOSE: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death for rural women in the United States. Lifestyle change interventions in group settings focused on increasing physical activity and improving nutrition have been shown to help reduce the risk for CVD. This paper describes the implementation and evaluation of Heart Smart for Women (HSFW), a 12-week lifestyle behavior change intervention to reduce CVD risk for women in the rural southernmost 7 counties (S7) of Illinois. METHODS: The HSFW evidence-based lifestyle intervention was delivered by a trained facilitator in 12 weekly 1-hour sessions to groups of women in the rural S7 region of Illinois. Dietary and physical activity assessments were collected at baseline, postintervention, and 1 year. Clinical measurements were taken at baseline, 6 months and 1 year. Data were analyzed for change in behavioral and clinical outcomes over time. FINDINGS: In total, 162 women completed HSFW in 13 communities across the S7 region. HSFW participants showed improvement in dietary and physical activity indicators at the end of the 12-week intervention, but only increases in vegetable consumption and physical activity were sustained over 1 year. A decrease in total cholesterol was observed at 6 months but not maintained at 1 year. CONCLUSIONS: HSFW led to short-term, moderate changes in nutrition and physical activity in rural women, but some health improvements were not sustained at 1 year. These findings suggest that more intensive follow-up maybe required to help maintain long-term behavior change, especially in rural areas where women are geographically dispersed.

Lifestyle intervention and cardiovascular risk reduction in the Illinois WISEWOMAN Program.

BACKGROUND: The Illinois WISEWOMAN Program (IWP) was designed to address the disproportionate risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) among disadvantaged, low-income women. In total, 1021 women aged 40 to 64 years were recruited from the Illinois Breast and Cervical Cancer Program. The women were randomized to either a minimum intervention (MI) or an enhanced intervention (EI) group. Both groups received CVD risk factor screening and educational materials, and the EI group received a 12-week lifestyle change intervention. METHODS: Demographic and clinical data were collected in addition to data on CVD risk, which was measured in terms of nutritional and physical activity behavior, using culturally adapted versions of three valid and reliable questionnaires. IWP data were analyzed for demographic characteristics and clinical and behavioral outcomes at baseline, post-intervention, and follow-up at 1 and 2 years from baseline. This article reports the change in these outcomes up to the 1-year follow-up. RESULTS: Participants in the EI group showed significant improvement on some of the dietary and physical activity outcomes both at post-intervention and 1-year follow-up. Compared with the MI group, the EI group showed more improvement in dietary fat- and fiber-related behaviors and increased physical activity levels. There were improvements in all of the cardiovascular outcomes at post-intervention in both the EI and MI groups; however, these changes were not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: As an integrated physical activity and nutrition intervention, the IWP has shown its strength in addressing some of the lifestyle behaviors for CVD prevention in this at-risk target population.

Women's preference for receiving abortion in primary care settings.

BACKGROUND: Abortion is increasingly being incorporated into primary care training programs. It remains unclear if women, given the option, would accept and access these services with their primary care provider. METHODS: An anonymous survey was administered to 299 women at two abortion clinics in New York and Chicago. RESULTS: One hundred seventy-four (58.2%) respondents theoretically would choose their primary care clinic for their abortion procedure, with more Chicago participants than New York participants choosing primary care. After adjusting for other variables, only being very or somewhat comfortable with one's primary care provider regarding issues of pregnancy prevention and birth control predicted the choice of primary care for abortion services. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of women surveyed theoretically would choose to have a procedure at their primary care clinic. There were some regional differences between New York and Chicago. Although many variables used in this study did not explain the respondents' preferences, the primary care clinic as site for abortion care appears to be an important potential option for many women. Primary care training programs should teach full-spectrum reproductive healthcare to help meet the needs of their patients.

A lifestyle approach to reducing cardiovascular risk factors in underserved women: design and methods of the Illinois WISEWOMAN Program.

BACKGROUND: Few lifestyle intervention programs address the needs of financially disadvantaged, low literacy populations. The overall goal of the Illinois WISEWOMAN Program (IWP) was to design such a program and test its effectiveness in reducing cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk, specifically physical activity and nutrition factors. The purpose of this paper is to describe the IWP study design and methods, development of the evidence-based curriculum appropriate for a low socioeconomic status (SES) population, and baseline characteristics of IWP participants. METHODS: The Cooper Institute, in collaboration with the Illinois Department of Public Health and the University of Illinois at Chicago, adapted evidence-based interventions for financially disadvantaged, low literacy populations. The study used a randomized, two-group, experimental design. In total, 1021 women were recruited from the Illinois Breast and Cervical Cancer Program, which serves uninsured and underinsured women, aged 40-64, at or below 200% of poverty. The women were randomized to either a minimum intervention (MI) or an enhanced intervention (EI) group. Both groups received CVD risk factor screening and educational materials. Additionally, the EI group received a 12-week lifestyle intervention. RESULTS: Baseline comparisons show equivalent groups. IWP participants had a higher prevalence of obesity and smoking than similar national samples. CONCLUSIONS: IWP addressed many of the cultural and implementation barriers in programs that seek to improve the health of financially disadvantaged, low literacy populations. Because of the high burden of disease, the unique study population, and the sound design, we anticipate that our future results will contribute to the translation literature, which has largely ignored significant health disparities.