Online Program

287871
A gender-based community participatory research approach to improve health equity in African American women


Sunday, November 3, 2013

Oluchi Uju-Eke, MPH, The National Kidney Foundation of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
Sandy Waddell, RN, BSN, Prevention programs, The National Kidney Foundation of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
Arthur Franke, PhD, The National Kidney Foundation of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
Jodi Burke, MSW, The National Kidney Foundation of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
Kirstie M. King, BS, MSW, The National Kidney Foundation of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
This project aims to improve overall health status and diabetes self-management of African-American women in Inkster, Michigan by: (1) Implementing a socio-ecological approach to disease management using social support, empowerment, and health literacy; (2) Improving access to and utilization of health care services and community resources to promote healthy lifestyles; and (3) Building community networks and increasing awareness by addressing gender-based disparities. A community needs assessment and gender-based analysis revealed that women are disadvantaged due to social determinants of health (SDOH). Psychosocial, economic, and environmental factors were identified as significant challenges in navigating the health care system and adopting healthier lifestyles that could prevent and control diabetes. Compared to Michigan, Inkster has lower income (19.8% vs. 10% poverty) and education (38% vs. 18% illiteracy), both of which are significant predictors of health. Multi-level socio-ecological approaches including empowering women with tools to make healthy choices, promoting social interactions, supporting healthy decision making, reducing access barriers to health care and partnering with community health workers (CHW's), were employed. A community-based participatory research method was used to address health inequities, specifically how to effectively improve diabetes-related health practices influenced by gender. Three approaches were selected: providing health literacy mentoring, increasing opportunities for access and use of community preventive services using CHW's; and providing messages designed to positively influence lifestyle and gender norms. Data will be analyzed for changes in attitudes and behaviors and assess the effectiveness of gender-based approaches as a promising method to improve diabetes-related health management and outcomes in women.

Learning Areas:

Assessment of individual and community needs for health education
Chronic disease management and prevention
Implementation of health education strategies, interventions and programs

Learning Objectives:
Describe how community based participatory research methods promote diabetes self-management using a gender based approach. Discuss the role that social determinants of health play on access to health care.

Keyword(s): Gender, Health Literacy

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I have been a co-lead on three grant initiatives (two of which are federally funded) that address the social determinants of health in the city of Inkster, Michigan. I was instrumental in developing and conducting the gender-based survey tool. I am also the program manager on the OWH “Coalition for a Healthier Community” federal grant.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.