Protocol of the HARMONY study: A culturally relevant, randomized-controlled, stress management intervention to reduce cardiometabolic risk in African American women.

Background: African American Women (AAW) are at high risk for stress-related cardiometabolic (CM) conditions including obesity, heart disease, and diabetes. Prior interventions lack attention to culturally-nuanced stress phenomena (Superwoman Schema [SWS], contextualized stress, and network stress), which are positively and significantly associated with unhealthy eating and sedentary behavior.

Purpose: The HARMONY Study is designed to test a culturally tailored mindfulness-based stress management intervention to address SWS, contextualized stress, and network stress as potential barriers to adherence to healthy exercise and eating goals.