Health Research

The Health Research team engages with the community in research to better understand significant health issues that exist, while also providing resources for those facing health disparities. Through the Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support (DSMES) programs, the team works to improve patient-centered care and outcomes for individuals from diverse populations adversely impacted by Type 2 Diabetes.

DSMES

Family-Based Model of Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support (DSMES) among Marshallese

Type 2 Diabetes is a long-term health concern among people from the Marshall Islands. Through the Standard and Family-based Model of Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support Programs (DSMES), research staff worked with Marshallese people living in Arkansas to develop a diabetes education program that includes personal stories and analogies common in Marshallese culture. Patients with Type 2 Diabetes invited family members to participate in the education sessions. Through DSME, trained community health workers lead educational sessions in the patients’ homes.

Due to the success of the Family Model DSME Program, research staff have expanded the study from Northwest Arkansas to the Republic of the Marshall Islands, working with four churches in the country to screen and enroll residents in the program.

For more information about DSMES or diabetes studies, contact Ayoola Carleton at ACarleton@uams.edu or Betsy O’Connor at GEOconnor@uams.edu.

Funding for the DSMES programs is provided by the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute.

  Results: Click here

DPP

Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP)

Through the Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP), our research staff works with Marshallese churches and community organizations to study a culturally-adapted program designed to reduce the risk of Type 2 Diabetes through modest lifestyle changes, such as culturally-appropriate healthy eating habits and regular physical activity to determine the best preventative measures to combat diabetes.

Funding for the Diabetes Prevention Program is provided by the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute.

PCORI (Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute) Videos