RecruitingPhase 2NCT07594808

Using Mobile Stress Management to Reduce Hypertension in African American Men

Reducing Hypertension Among African American Men: A Mobile Stress Management Intervention to Address Health Disparities

Sponsor

ISA Associates, Inc.

Enrollment

135 participants

Start Date

Jun 2, 2026

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Conditions

Hypertension

Summary

The goal of this clinical trial is to learn whether a smartphone-based stress management program can reduce blood pressure and perceived stress in Black men with hypertension. The main questions it aims to answer are: Does a mobile cognitive-behavioral stress management intervention (m-CBSMi) reduce systolic and diastolic blood pressure more than a standard online stress management course over 6 months? Does the m-CBSMi reduce perceived stress more than a standard online stress management course over 6 months? Researchers will compare participants assigned to the m-CBSMi - a culturally tailored program delivered via text message and video - to participants assigned to the "Diploma in Stress Management" course on Alison.com, to see if the m-CBSMi produces greater improvements in blood pressure and stress outcomes. Participants will: Complete a phone-based survey at baseline and again at 6 months Attend two in-person blood pressure measurement visits at the partnering clinic, one at baseline and one at 6 months Complete their assigned stress management program (m-CBSMi or the Alison.com course) over 3 months, delivered via smartphone

Eligibility

Sex: MALEMin Age: 18 Years

Inclusion Criteria4

African American/Black
documented diagnosis of hypertension
documented blood pressure recorded at systolic BP 130+ mmHg or diastolic BP 80+ mmHG
reliable access to a smartphone capable of receiving text messages and streaming video

Exclusion Criteria1

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Interventions

BEHAVIORALmobile cognitive behavioral stress management intervention

A culturally tailored, smartphone-delivered cognitive-behavioral stress management intervention (m-CBSMi) for Black men with hypertension. The m-CBSMi consists of 11 video-based sessions covering the stress-hypertension relationship, the impact of racial discrimination on stress, and evidence-based coping strategies. Sessions 2-11 each introduce a new relaxation technique (e.g., diaphragmatic breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, mindfulness meditation), which participants practice via audio-narrated exercises. Content is delivered through embedded video links sent via text message, along with psychoeducational and motivational texts. Participants are encouraged to complete one session per week over 3 months and to revisit relaxation techniques between sessions. The program is fully self-paced and accessible on any smartphone capable of receiving texts and streaming video.

BEHAVIORALDiploma in Stress Management course

A publicly available, online stress management course ("Diploma in Stress Management") offered by Alison.com, one of the world's largest free learning platforms. The course consists of 11 video-based modules covering causes of stress, the link between stress and physical health, the role of thoughts and emotions in stress responses, and relaxation techniques. Three modules are designated as core content for this study: Module 1 (Introduction to Stress), Module 7 (Roles of Thoughts, Beliefs, and Emotions), and Module 8 (Relaxation and Cognitive Techniques). Participants are asked to complete these three core modules within 3 months and are encouraged to complete remaining modules as time allows. Weekly text message reminders are sent throughout the program period. The course is self-paced and accessible via smartphone using study-provided login credentials.