# Multisite feasibility of BA-HD: An integrated depression and behavioral risk factor reduction coaching program following acute coronary syndrome

> **NIH NIH R34** · MIRIAM HOSPITAL · 2024 · $327,252

## Abstract

PROJECT ABSTRACT
Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is an urgent public health issue which contributes to over one million
hospitalizations annually. Depression undermines optimal recovery following ACS, often at least partially
through interference with health behaviors. Post-ACS patients with depression smoke more, adhere to
medications less often, are less physically active, and have poorer diet than post-ACS patients without
depression. This reduced adherence to recommended health behaviors, in turn, worsens cardiovascular health
and increases risk of additional morbidity and mortality. Our team developed Behavioral Activation for Health
and Depression (BA-HD) which is a behavioral activation-based intervention that integrates treatment for
depression and multiple health behavior change post-ACS. The overarching goal of this R34 application is to
pilot BA-HD across three distinct regions (Northeast, Midwest, and Southeast) in preparation for a subsequent
fully powered multisite randomized controlled efficacy trial. Specifically, the research team will conduct a
multisite pilot randomized controlled feasibility trial of BA-HD comparing the intervention to an Enhanced Usual
Care (EUC) control group. This trial will accomplish two aims: First, we will examine study feasibility (e.g.,
recruitment, treatment engagement, retention) and acceptability of both study procedures and the BA-HD
treatment. Second, we will examine the preliminary efficacy of BA-HD to improve (1) depressed mood and (2)
cardiovascular health assessed via the American Heart Association’s Life’s Simple 7 Total Score. Findings
from the proposed research are necessary to finalize study design in preparation for a subsequent fully
powered trial to evaluate the efficacy of BA-HD to improve cardiovascular health and depression

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10904926
- **Project number:** 5R34HL165716-02
- **Recipient organization:** MIRIAM HOSPITAL
- **Principal Investigator:** Andrew M Busch
- **Activity code:** R34 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $327,252
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2023-08-15 → 2026-07-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10904926

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10904926, Multisite feasibility of BA-HD: An integrated depression and behavioral risk factor reduction coaching program following acute coronary syndrome (5R34HL165716-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-25 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10904926. Licensed CC0.

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