Grant: Tm. Gr: GACD 2021: NCD risk prev. acr. the life -PRIOR. 1: Lifecycle Approach

As HIV has become better treated and controlled in Uganda, more attention has been focused on the current burden of cardiovascular disease in terms of premature morbidity and mortality. Risk factors for CVD in Uganda include; unhealthy diet, inadequate physical activity, dyslipidemia, overweight and obesity. We would like to address risk factors for CVD in Uganda using an adapted version of an evidenced-based family-based intervention/approach The primary research aim is to implement a family centered approach for enhancement of lifestyle change, and behavioral modification among adolescents and their families to prevent cardiovascular disease (CVD). The research will also determine uptake and access barriers and facilitators in Uganda. The study will be implemented in central divisions of two districts of Uganda; Jinja (rural) and Kampala (urban). We propose to conduct the study in 24 parishes (12 urban and 12 rural) of the two districts. We propose an intervention called that will involve; a. weekly health education sessions focused on a healthy diet, physical activity, and the importance of regular screening; b. practical sessions on physical activity; and c. demonstration community and/ or kitchen gardens. These will be implemented by community health workers, also known as Village Health Teams. The study will involve several phases beginning with the input from key stakeholders to adapt the intervention to the Ugandan context, then baseline surveys, process evaluation and post - intervention survey The primary outcomes will be acceptability, feasibility and uptake of the intervention. Secondary outcomes will examine the effectiveness of the intervention in terms of changes in diet and biomedical outcomes such as blood pressures, weight and waist circumference. This study will provide information to policy makers, health providers, community leaders, members on the role of family-based interventions in the prevention and management of cardiovascular diseases.