Medically Tailored Grocery Deliveries to Improve Food Security and Hypertension in Underserved Groups: A Student-Run Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

Top Things to Know

The intervention group experienced an average decrease of 14.2 mmHg in systolic blood pressure.

Participants in the intervention group showed better food security scores compared to the control group.

It underscores the potential of SRO-CBO partnerships to address health disparities through nutrition-based interventions.

Summary of Conclusion/Findings

This pilot study evaluated the impact of medically tailored grocery (MTG) deliveries on food security and hypertension among underserved groups in Durham, North Carolina. The pilot randomized controlled trial involved 50 participants, with the intervention group receiving 12 weeks of MTGs and nutrition education. The findings showed a significant reduction in systolic blood pressure (average decrease of 14.2 mmHg) and improved food security scores in the intervention group compared to the control group. The study highlighted the feasibility and acceptability of student-run organization (SRO) and community-based organization (CBO) partnerships in conducting FIM trials. No adverse events were reported, indicating the safety of the intervention.