Innovative Multigenerational Household Intervention to Reduce Stroke and CVD

American Indians (AI's) are experiencing an epidemic of stroke morbidity and mortality, with
higher prevalence and incidence, younger age at onset, and poorer survival than other racial
and ethnic groups. With a stroke incidence more than twice that of the general U.S.
population, stroke in AI's is a public health problem of staggering scope. AI's also have
disproportionate burdens of many risk factors for stroke, including hypertension, smoking,
obesity, and diabetes. However, no rigorous, population-based studies of stroke prevention
have included AI's. The investigators at WSU, and community partners, have designed the
"Family Intervention in the Spirit of Motivational Interviewing" (FITSMI), a program
delivered at the household level to encourage lifestyle changes that transform the home
environment and reduce stroke risk for all residents. FITSMI uses a "talking circle" format
in which facilitators guide participants to identify goals for change and create a tailored
plan for sustainable implementation that may target smoking, exercise, diet, or medication
adherence. FITSMI requires just 2 sessions (baseline and 1 month post-baseline), with text
messaging used to boost long-term adherence. In a group-randomized trial design, the
investigators will recruit 360 households where Strong Heart Family Study members aged 45 and
older reside. The investigators will assign half to FITSMI and half to a control condition
that receives educational brochures.