Marshallese face significant health disparities, with particularly high rates of type 2 diabetes. Engaging stakeholders in the research process is essential to reduce health inequities. A community- and patient-engaged research approach was used to involve community Marshallese stakeholders in a randomized comparative effectiveness trial testing two Diabetes Prevention Program interventions. The article outlines the engagement process and the specific influence that stakeholders had on the research planning and implementation, discussing the areas of agreement and disagreement between community and patient stakeholders and academic investigators and documenting changes to the research protocol. The article provides an example of methods that can be used to design and conduct a randomized controlled trial testing with a population who has been underrepresented in research and suffered significant historical trauma.
Abstract BACKGROUND: Periodic Health Examinations (PHEs) typically occur annually and provide an important opportunity for providers to screen their patients for undiagnosed health conditions and monitor existing conditions, such as diabetes and hypertension. Unfortunately, PHEs are reported to be low in Saudi Arabia. This study’s aim was to assess the regular uptake of PHEs by adults residing in Al-Jouf region, Saudi Arabia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among adults (aged ≥ 20 years) residing in five communities in the Al-Jouf Region on sociodemographic characteristics, self-reported chronic conditions, knowledge of PHEs, and their regular uptake. Chi-square tests and multivariate logistic regression analysis were performed to determine the factors associated with regular uptake of PHEs. RESULTS: A total of 624 participants completed the survey questionnaire. Of the participants, 27.7% reported a regular uptake of PHEs. The odds of regular uptake of PHEs were higher among older respondents (odds ratio [OR] =1.98; P = 0.002), those who reported that they had diabetes (OR = 3.25; P < 0.001), hypertension (OR = 4.11; P = 0.001), hyperlipidemia (OR = 2.66; P = 0.003), and those with a higher PHEs knowledge score (OR = 1.35; P < 0.001). However, the odds regular uptake of PHEs among respondents residing in the three governorates and Skaka city were significantly lower (OR = 0.27; P = 0.001 and OR = 0.30; P = 0.002, respectively) than their counterparts. CONCLUSION: Low rates of PHEs uptake were observed among the survey participants in the Al-Jouf Region of Saudi Arabia. The characteristics of individuals associated with low uptake of PHEs were identified. Tailored interventions, such as the use of community health workers and clinic communications, could target these individuals to increase the uptake of PHEs.
Timely receipt of colorectal cancer screening can reduce morbidity and mortality. This is the first known study to adopt Andersen's model of health services use to identify factors associated with colorectal cancer screening among U.S. adults. The data from National Health Interview Survey from 2019 was utilized to conduct the analyses. Multivariable logistic regression was used to separately analyze data from 7,503 age-eligible women and 6,486 age-eligible men. We found similar colorectal cancer screening levels among men (57.7%) and women (57.6%). Factors associated with higher screening odds in women were older age, married/cohabitating with a partner, Black race, >bachelor's degree, having a usual source of care, and personal cancer history. Factors associated with lower odds for women were American Indian/Alaska Native race, living in the United States for ≤10 years, ≤138% federal poverty level (FPL), uninsured or having Medicare, and in fair/poor health. For men, factors associated with higher screening odds were older age, homosexuality, married/cohabitating with a partner, Black race, >high school/general educational development education, having military insurance, having a usual source of care, and personal cancer history. Factors associated with lower odds for men were being a foreign-born U.S. resident, living in the South or Midwest, ≤138% FPL, and being uninsured or having other insurance. Despite lower screening rates in the past, Black adults show a significantly higher likelihood of colorectal cancer screening than White adults; yet, screening disparities remain in certain other groups. Colorectal cancer screening efforts should continue to target groups with lower screening rates to eliminate screening disparities. Significance: Timely receipt of colorectal cancer screening can reduce morbidity and mortality. Identification of populations and domains of factors associated with colorectal cancer screening receipt among men and women can help future interventions to alleviate impeding factors and target screening promotion efforts in populations not adherent with screening guidelines.
(1) Background: The purpose of this exploratory study was to describe variation in age of onset of functional limitations of Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islanders (NHPI) compared to other racial and ethnic groups. (2) Methods: Adults age 45 years and older who responded to the Functioning and Disability module within the 2014 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) were included (n = 628 NHPI; 7122 non-Hispanic Whites; 1418 Blacks; 470 Asians; and 1216 Hispanic adults). The NHIS Functioning and Disability module included 13 items, which we organized into three domains of functional limitations using factor analysis: Mobility, Gross Motor Skills, and Fine Motor Skills. Responses were summed within each domain. (3) Results: After adjusting for age and sex, we found that racial/ethnic minority groups, with the exception of Asians, experience more functional limitations than Whites. Results further indicate that NHPI adults experienced an earlier surge in all three domains of functional limitations compared to other racial/ethnic groups. (4) Conclusions: These findings are novel and provide additional evidence to the existence of disparities in functional health outcomes across racial/ethnic groups. Future studies are needed to develop targeted and culturally tailored interventions for those most in need.
Background: Limited access to fitness programs for rural older adults make lay or volunteer delivery approaches potentially desirable to extend reach. However, factors affecting adoption of such approaches are not well explored. Purpose: This study sought to identify barriers and facilitators affecting adoption of a volunteer lay delivery approach for the community-based StrongWomen strength training program conducted through rural county Extension offices. Methods: Educators implementing the program, identified as adopters (n = 6) and nonadopters (n = 13) of the lay delivery approach, participated in semistructured interviews, which were recorded, transcribed, and coded. The socialecological model (SEM) as an organizing framework revealed barriers and facilitators at the intrapersonal, interpersonal, institutional, and community levels. Results: Barriers included lack of appropriate facilities, limited time, passive leader recruitment approaches, volunteer training proximity, and perceived lack of confidence among potential volunteers. Retired or part-time employment status, education level, comfort in leadership positions, communication of need for volunteers, and active recruitment approach were facilitators. Discussion: Barriers and facilitators can be attributed to differences in educator approaches, participant characteristics, and institutional and community factors. Translation to Health Education Practice: Identification of modifiable factors promoting or inhibiting adoption of lay-led approaches may assist others seeking to implement similar delivery strategies to extend reach.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, health care shifted to virtual interactions with health professionals. The aim of this study was to examine the determinants of telehealth use in a nationally representative sample of the United States adult population.
