A Community-Based Participatory Approach to Understanding Health Beliefs, Policies, Barriers, and Solutions Related to the Health Disparities of Marshallese COFA Migrants in Arkansas.

Public policies have different effects on different populations groups and can perpetuate health disparities among some populations. My research utilizes community-based participatory approach to research in the examination of one unique population: the Marshallese. This dissertation research presents three papers that are part of a cohesive research agenda predicated on community-based participatory research (CBPR) to facilitate policy-oriented learning. My research can be used to inform health policy, health care services, and health education. Chapter Two presents the article titled: Health Beliefs of US Marshallese Regarding Type 2 Diabetes. This article explores the research question: what health beliefs related to diabetes influence diabetes self-management behaviors? Chapter Three presents the article titled: Interpretive Policy Analysis: Marshallese COFA Migrants and the Affordable Care Act. This article explores the research questions: for Marshallese living in the United States, 1) what is their understanding of and experience with the ACA and related health policies; 2) what effect do the ACA and related health policies have on participants’ and the community’s health? Chapter Four presents the article titled: Family Model of Diabetes Education with a Pacific Islander Community, and this article explores the feasibility of a family model of diabetes education was conducted in participants’ homes with extended family members. This research, and my broader research agenda, seeks to improve health equality and decrease health disparities for the Marshallese community. The Marshallese community experiences many health disparities and constraints because to actions and policies of the US federal government, many of which must be addressed through changes in public policy. This dissertation research converges into a cohesive research agenda that is built on the principals of CBPR and is designed to fuel policy and programmatic action

The National Childrens Study: Recruitment Outcomes Using the Provider-Based Recruitment Approach

In 2009, the National Children’s Study (NCS) Vanguard Study tested the feasibility of household-based recruitment and participant enrollment using a birth-rate probability sample. In 2010, the NCS Program Office launched 3 additional recruitment approaches. We tested whether provider-based recruitment could improve recruitment outcomes compared with household-based recruitment

Dietary Practices during Pregnancy in a Marshallese Community: A Mixed Methods Analysis

Dietary practices during pregnancy play a pivotal role in the health of women and their children and set the foundation for long-term health. Marshallese women have disproportionally higher rates of maternal and infant health disparities, yet little is known about the dietary practices during their pregnancy. The purpose of this study was to identify dietary practices during pregnancy among Marshallese women. From March 2019 to March 2020, a purposive sample of 33 pregnant Marshallese participants participated in a mixed methods study. Two primary themes emerged: (1) traditional beliefs about a healthy diet during pregnancy; and (2) dietary change during pregnancy. Within the first theme, four subthemes emerged: (1) should eat; (2) should not eat; (3) challenges to traditional diet; and (4) spiritual dietary customs during pregnancy. Within the second theme, three subthemes emerged: (1) a healthy diet for my baby; (2) autonomy and diet; and (3) sugar-sweetened beverages. The transition in discourse from traditional customs of dietary practices to an individualistic discourse highlights that acculturation is a complex process that should be included in maternal health education and interventions. Findings from this study provide insight into potential considerations for future interventions aiming to improve maternal and child health outcomes among Marshallese

Design of a randomized, controlled, comparative-effectiveness trial testing a Family Model of Diabetes Self-Management Education (DSME) vs. Standard DSME for Marshallese in the United States

Background: Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a significant public health problem, with U.S. Pacific Islander communities—such as the Marshallese—bearing a disproportionate burden. Using a community-based participatory approach (CBPR) that engages the strong family-based social infrastructure characteristic of Marshallese communities is a promising way to manage T2D. Objectives: Led by a collaborative community-academic partnership, the Family Model of Diabetes Self-Management Education (DSME) aimed to change diabetes management behaviors to improve glycemic control in Marshallese adults with T2D by engaging the entire family. Design: To test the Family Model of DSME, a randomized, controlled, comparative effectiveness trial with 240 primary participants was implemented. Half of the primary participants were randomly assigned to the Standard DSME and half were randomly assigned to the Family Model DSME. Both arms received ten hours of content comprised of 6–8 sessions delivered over a 6–8 week period. Methods: The Family Model DSME was a cultural adaptation of DSME, whereby the intervention focused on engaging family support for the primary participant with T2D. The Standard DSME was delivered to the primary participant in a community-based group format. Primary participants and participating family members were assessed at baseline and immediate post-intervention, and will also be assessed at 6 and 12 months. Summary: The Family Model of DSME aimed to improve glycemic control in Marshallese with T2D. The utilization of a CBPR approach that involves the local stakeholders and the engagement of the family-based social infrastructure of Marshallese communities increase potential for the intervention's success and sustainability