Produce Prescription for High Blood Pressure

This trial explores how a produce prescription program can help Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander adults in Hawaii manage high blood pressure. Participants receive $100 monthly to buy fruits and vegetables and may also receive one-on-one support from Community Health Workers to address challenges like transportation or cooking skills. The goal is to determine if this additional support improves blood pressure and overall health. Suitable candidates for this trial include adults with high blood pressure who are patients of the participating health centers and face difficulties affording healthy food. As an unphased trial, this study provides a unique opportunity to contribute to research that could enhance community health and access to nutritious food.

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It's best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your doctor.

Previous studies have shown that treatments involving Community Health Workers (CHWs) are safe and well-tolerated for managing high blood pressure. Research indicates that these programs effectively lower blood pressure without significant side effects. For example, one study found that systolic blood pressure dropped by 14.5 mmHg over 18 months with CHW assistance, demonstrating this method's safety and effectiveness. Other studies also show that CHWs can help improve patients' blood pressure over time, with no major safety concerns reported. This suggests that support from CHWs in the produce prescription program is likely safe for participants.¹²³⁴⁵

Researchers are excited about the Produce Prescription for high blood pressure because it offers a fresh approach by focusing on dietary changes rather than medication. Unlike standard treatments that typically rely on antihypertensive drugs like ACE inhibitors or beta-blockers, this program encourages patients to incorporate more fruits and vegetables into their diets. The unique aspect of this trial is its use of community health workers to provide personalized support and guidance, helping participants navigate and maintain a healthier lifestyle. This focus on diet and community support could lead to sustainable long-term health benefits, making it a promising alternative for managing high blood pressure.

Research has shown that Community Health Workers (CHWs) in health programs can significantly aid in managing high blood pressure. One study found that individuals supported by CHWs experienced an average reduction of 6.6 points in their systolic blood pressure. Another study revealed that those with CHW support achieved better blood pressure control than those without it. In this trial, one group will receive a Produce Prescription program along with one-on-one Community Health Worker navigation sessions, while another group will receive only the Produce Prescription program. These findings suggest that the additional support from CHWs, as provided in one of the trial arms, could improve health outcomes for individuals with high blood pressure.¹³⁶⁷⁸