Lessons learned through a partnership with Marshallese faith-based organizations to screen for hypertension and diabetes

McElfish, Pearl A.; Bing, Wanna; Ayers, Britni L; Smith, Lisa; Stephens, Michael; Wilmoth, Ralph; Hudson, Jonell; Buron, Bill; Warmack, T. Scott; Aitaoto, Nia; Riklon, Sheldon

doi:10.24926/jrmc.v1i3.1044

Cited by 6 publications

(3 citation statements)

References 17 publications

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“…Data were collected only from those who consented to the study. Biometric data were collected by an interprofessional team from the UAMS Colleges of Medicine, Nursing, Physical Therapy, and Pharmacy, and the Office of Community Health and Research [52]. All team members engaged in biometric data collection were trained on proper blood pressure, weight, height, body mass index (BMI), and Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) measurement techniques prior to screening events.…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Diabetes and Hypertension in Marshallese Adults: Results from Faith-Based Health Screenings

McElfish

Rowland

Long

et al. 2016

J. Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities

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Background The Pacific Islander population in the United States is growing rapidly. However, research on Pacific Islanders in the US is limited, or sometimes misleading due to aggregation with Asian Americans. This project seeks to add to the dearth of health literature by conducting a health assessment of Marshallese in northwest Arkansas. Methods Using a community-based participatory research approach, nine health screening events were conducted at local Marshallese churches. Participants completed the Behavioral Risk Factors Surveillance Survey core questionnaire and diabetes module if applicable. Biometric data, including Hemoglobin A1c, blood pressure, and body mass index, was gathered by an interprofessional team. Results 401 participants completed health screenings. High proportions of diabetes, obesity, and hypertension were found. A high percentage of participants were uninsured, and multiple barriers to health care were found within the sample. Discussion This project represents one of the first broad health assessments of Pacific Islanders in the US. Proportions of diabetes, hypertension, obesity, and uninsured found in the sample are much higher than national proportions.

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Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Development of the Marshallese Church Health Screening (MCHS) study and lessons learned from the study are described in a separate article [52]. In the current article, the results of the primary MCHS study are presented.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Diabetes and Hypertension in Marshallese Adults: Results from Faith-Based Health Screenings

McElfish

Rowland

Long

et al. 2016

J. Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities

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“…Dedicated effort is needed to encourage those who report they are somewhat likely to receive a vaccination or not sure of their willingness to receive the vaccine. Prior research suggests partnerships between healthcare systems and Marshallese leaders, pastors, and community health workers could be effective in communicating health messages and vaccine uptake (27,(47)(48)(49)(50). The current crisis is urgent and requires immediate actions; however, it is also necessary to consider the need for sustained efforts among government and medical institutions to earn the trust of communities who have faced historical and/or contemporary harms (45).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

COVID-19 Vaccine Willingness and Hesitancy Among Marshallese Pacific Islanders

McElfish

Willis

Bogulski

et al. 2021

Journal of Patient Experience

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COVID-19 has disproportionally burdened racial and ethnic minorities. Minority populations report greater COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy; however, no studies document COVID-19 vaccine willingness among Marshallese or any Pacific Islander group, who are often underrepresented in research. This study documents United States (US) Marshallese Pacific Islanders’: willingness to get the COVID-19 vaccine, willingness to participate in vaccine trials, and sociodemographic factors associated with willingness. From July 27, 2020-November 22, 2020, a convenience sample of US Marshallese adults were recruited through e-mail, phone calls, and a Marshallese community Facebook page to participate in an online survey. Of those surveyed (n = 120), 32.5% were extremely likely to get the COVID-19 vaccine; 20.8% were somewhat likely; 14.2% were unlikely or very unlikely; and 26.7% stated they did not know or were not sure. Only 16.7% stated they were willing to participate in a COVID-19 vaccine trial. Vaccine willingness was positively associated with older age, higher income, and longer US residence. Health insurance status and having a primary care provider were positively associated with vaccine willingness. Findings demonstrate within-group variation in COVID-19 vaccine willingness.

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Diabetes Self-Care Behaviors Among Marshallese Adults Living in the United States

Felix

Rowland

Long

et al. 2017

J Immigrant Minority Health

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Marshallese experience high rates of type 2 diabetes. Proper management of diabetes requires multiple self-care behaviors, yet little is known about Marshallese's diabetes-related self-care behaviors. Survey data from 111 Marshallese adults with diabetes were used to examine relationships between self-care behaviors and socio-demographic characteristics. The most common self-care behavior was attending annual doctor visits, while the least common was maintaining a normal weight. Age group, education level, and having a regular doctor were significantly associated with engaging in self-care behaviors. Having a regular doctor had the most effect on performing self-care behaviors (p = 0.006); although, only 38.7% reported having a regular doctor. To minimize diabetes-related complications, efforts to improve self-care behaviors among the Marshallese should be developed. Alternatives to traditional healthcare providers, such as community health workers, may be a viable strategy with this population given only one-third reported having a regular doctor.

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Lessons learned through a partnership with Marshallese faith-based organizations to screen for hypertension and diabetes

Cited by 6 publications

References 17 publications

Diabetes and Hypertension in Marshallese Adults: Results from Faith-Based Health Screenings

Diabetes and Hypertension in Marshallese Adults: Results from Faith-Based Health Screenings

COVID-19 Vaccine Willingness and Hesitancy Among Marshallese Pacific Islanders

Diabetes Self-Care Behaviors Among Marshallese Adults Living in the United States

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