American journal of preventive medicine
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Meta Analysis
Lay Advisor Interventions in Rural Populations: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.
Age-adjusted death rates for heart disease are higher in rural areas than in urban areas. Lay advisors could potentially facilitate improvement in cardiovascular health outcomes. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to estimate lay advisor intervention effects on cardiovascular health metrics in rural populations. ⋯ Lay advisor interventions had significant positive effects on glycemic control and BMI for rural residents; however, further rigorous studies are needed in U.S. rural populations, and elements of effective lay advisor interventions require further investigation.