The aim of this study was to assess outcomes from a multilevel social network intervention to promote the health of Black men. Through a community–academic collaboration and using a participatory research approach, we implemented the intervention over 4 years in a 110-block area of an urban neighborhood. The project aimed to implement a neighborhood peer outreach and leadership network to strengthen social support of Black men and increase community and family engagement. Intervention activities included three 12-month intergenerational peer support groups ( N = 46), a door-to-door outreach campaign ( N = 186), media and communication efforts, and a community partner network. Primary outcomes for the peer support groups were measured using a pretest/posttest cohort design and included social support, perceived stress, social capital, and global self-esteem. Primary outcomes for the door-to-door outreach campaign were measured using a repeated cross-sectional design and included a sense of community, neighborhood social interaction, perceived neighborhood control, and self-rated health status. Significant findings from the peer support groups included an increase in social support overall ( p = .027), driven by improvements in guidance, reliable alliance, and reassurance of worth; and an improvement in perceived stress ( p = .047). Significant findings from the door-to-door outreach campaign included increases in neighborhood social interaction ( p < .0001) and perceived neighborhood control ( p = .036). This project provides evidence that a participatory approach to planning and delivering a health promotion intervention aimed at creating positive social spaces and enhancing social connections can result in significant outcomes and successful engagement of Black men.
Social Network Intervention in Patients with Schizophrenia and Marked Social Withdrawal: A Randomized Controlled Study
