# A Targeted Self-Management Intervention for Reducing Stroke Risk Factors in High Risk Ugandans

> **NIH NIH R01** · CASE WESTERN RESERVE UNIVERSITY · 2021 · $594,856

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT
 Stroke is a neurological condition of increasing burden in many low- and middle income countries (LMICs)
that is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Africa is particularly hard-hit by stroke due to rapid population
growth, expanding lifespan, industrialization, adoption of harmful western diets, and greater prevalence of risk
factors such as hypertension and diabetes. The situation is likely to worsen as projections for Africa note an
increase of 10.8% in incident stroke cases.
 In spite of these daunting projections, stroke can be a preventable disorder. Evidence-based interventions
such as life-style changes and management of risk factors can greatly reduce stroke burden. In sub-Saharan
Africa (SSA) there are few widely used and effective approaches. Given resource constraints, the ideal approach
needs to be practical, low-cost, widely scale-able, and acceptable to the end-consumer. Written in response to
PAR-18-835: Global Brain and Nervous System Disorders Research across the Lifespan, the proposed project
builds upon promising mixed-methods pilot work and capacity-building. In a recently completed Fogarty
International Center project, the study team developed a curriculum-guided self-management program, TargetEd
MAnageMent (TEAM) intended to reduce stroke risk in Uganda. Pilot results found excellent program retention
over a 6-month period (87.5 %) and reduced stroke risk factors, including decreased blood pressure, improved
serum lipid profiles, and improved glucose control among individuals with diabetes.
 The overall goal of this 2-phase, 5-year research project is to test an intervention intended to reduce stroke
risk factors in Ugandans at high risk for stroke. The project will evaluate whether a patient -centered approach
that uses peer educators (patients with relevant lived experience) and community health workers to co -deliver
the intervention may reduce stroke burden. To enhance future dissemination potential of the TEAM approach,
the project will include both effectiveness and implementation elements. In Phase 1 (months 1-12), we will refine
the TEAM intervention for content and process guided by stakeholders (patients/family, clinicians,
administrators) in the local context. In Phase 2 (months 13-60) we will conduct a prospective, randomized
effectiveness-implementation trial of TEAM vs. enhance treatment as usual (ETAU). 246 participants will be
randomized at baseline to receive either TEAM (N= 123) or ETAU (N=123). The project will also build research
capacity in stroke risk reduction and facilitate the establishment of an infrastructure to facilitate futures scale-up.
Taken together, the proposed project has substantial public health importance. It will provide the prerequisite
outcomes data, training, and infrastructure needed to help with reducing stroke burden in Uganda and other
countries in SSA.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10242926
- **Project number:** 5R01NS118544-02
- **Recipient organization:** CASE WESTERN RESERVE UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** ELLY T KATABIRA
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $594,856
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2020-09-01 → 2025-06-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10242926

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10242926, A Targeted Self-Management Intervention for Reducing Stroke Risk Factors in High Risk Ugandans (5R01NS118544-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-22 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10242926. Licensed CC0.

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