Reducing stroke burden through a targeted self-management intervention for reducing stroke risk factors in high-risk Ugandans: A protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

Abstract

IntroductionStroke burden is rapidly increasing globally. Modifiable risk factors offer an opportunity to intervene, and targeting hypertension is a key actionable target for stroke risk reduction in sub-Saharan Africa. This 3-site planned randomized controlled trial builds on promising preliminary data.MethodsA total of 246 Ugandan adults will be recruited randomized to experimental intervention vs. enhanced treatment control. Intervention participants will receive six weekly group-format stroke risk reduction self-management training sessions, and the controls will receive information on cardiovascular risk. The primary study outcome is systolic B.P. measured at baseline, 13-week, 24 weeks (6 months). Secondary outcomes include other biological and behavioral stroke risk factors.DiscussionThe curriculum-guided self-management TargetEd MAnageMent Intervention (TEAM) program is anticipated to reduce the stroke burden in Uganda.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT04685408, registered on 28 December 2020.