Cardiovascular disease and stroke prevention educational-behavioural programmes for culturally and/or linguistically diverse communities: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Sabine M Allida, Adriana Angelucci, Scott William et al.
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In 30 seconds
This systematic review and meta-analysis assessed cardiovascular disease (CVD) and stroke prevention educational-behavioural programmes for people from culturally and/or linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds. It included 16 studies from the USA and UK: 4 randomised controlled trials and 12 quasi-experimental pre-post studies, involving 2331 participants. In pooled analyses, programmes may have had little to no effect on systolic blood pressure (MD 1.18 mmHg, 95% CI -2.42 to 4.79) or HbA1c (MD -0.29%, 95% CI -0.89 to 0.32). Effects on other risk factors were mixed, while CVD or stroke knowledge improved significantly.
Key findings
- Pooled results suggested little to no effect on systolic blood pressure (MD 1.18 mmHg, 95% CI -2.42 to 4.79).
- For HbA1c, the pooled estimate was MD -0.29%, 95% CI -0.89 to 0.32.
- Effects on LDL cholesterol, BMI, physical activity and dietary intake were mixed.
- CVD or stroke knowledge improved significantly after the programmes.
Why it matters
These programmes address prevention in CALD communities, but the review does not establish consistent benefits for measured cardiovascular risk factors. The distinction between improved disease knowledge and uncertain risk-factor effects is important when interpreting programme outcomes. The findings also highlight the need for stronger evaluations to determine whether educational gains translate into meaningful changes in prevention-related health measures.
What to keep in mind
The evidence included only 4 RCTs alongside 12 quasi-experimental pre-post studies, and the authors note the need for more rigorous designs and valid, reliable outcome measures.