Cardiovascular risk reduction through a peer-led digital health lifestyle intervention in a low-income community: outcomes from the MYCardio-PEER program.

In 30 seconds

This clinical trial evaluated an 8-week peer-led digital lifestyle intervention in adults from a low-income community at risk of cardiovascular disease. Participants were assigned to MYCardio-PEER (n=30) or standard lifestyle advice and printed materials (n=31), with assessments at baseline, Week 8 and Week 20. Compared with controls, the intervention group had a greater reduction in Framingham General CVD risk score (F = 3.937, p = 0.029, ƞ2 = 0.063), alongside improvements in energy intake, processed-food consumption and dietary fibre intake. The findings suggest preliminary benefit for cardiovascular risk profiles and health behaviours in this setting.

Key findings

• Framingham General CVD risk score fell more in the intervention group than controls (F = 3.937, p = 0.029, ƞ2 = 0.063).
• Energy intake decreased more with MYCardio-PEER than control (F = 8.807, p < 0.001, ƞ2 = 0.130).
• Processed-food consumption decreased more in the intervention group (F = 3.248, p = 0.046, ƞ2 = 0.052).
• Dietary fibre intake increased more with the intervention (F = 11.126, p < 0.001, ƞ2 = 0.159).

Why it matters

People in low-income communities may have substantial cardiovascular risk alongside limited access to preventive care. This trial provides preliminary evidence that peer-led digital education and activities can improve a calculated risk score and selected dietary behaviours compared with standard advice. Such approaches may help inform efforts to deliver community-centred prevention, although the results do not establish long-term cardiovascular benefit.

What to keep in mind

The study was small, with 30 intervention and 31 control participants, and assessed outcomes only through Week 20. The reported outcomes include a calculated risk score and behaviours rather than cardiovascular events.