Year 3 – Ola HAWAII Pilot Projects
Corrie Miller, D.O.
Characterizing Asian American and Pacific Islander Diets in Hawaii during Pregnancy and Associated Obstetrics and Neonatal Outcomes
Associations between diet quality, microbial diversity, and pregnancy health have been studied in various populations. It is unknown, if the microbiome differs in Native Hawai’ians compared to other ethnic groups in Hawai’i, and how the unique diet of Hawai’i may impact the microbiome during pregnancy and consequently adverse pregnancy outcomes.
Mapuana Antonio, Dr.P.H.
Ke ola o ka aina. The role of aina connectedness in Native Hawaii health
This study will develop a quantiative scale of ʻāina (land) connectedness as a measure of resilience in Native Hawaiians. The primary research question is: “What are the key constructs to consider for a scale measuring ʻāina connectedness in Native Hawaiians?” The long-term objective of this project is to develop a scale that assesses the role of ‘āina connectedness in the health and wellbeing of Native Hawaiians and to test future health interventions that incorporate connection to ‘āina.
Tricia Mabellos, Dr.P.H.
Understanding physical activity attitudes and preferences of postpartum women in Hawaii
After having children, women often do not return to their levels of pre-pregnancy physical activity (PA), and 70-80% of new mothers do not achieve recommended levels of moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA). Electronic health (eHealth) intervention methods have become increasingly common because they are cost-effective and able to reach more participants than standard face-to-face methods. Developing and evaluating eHealth interventions to increase MVPA among postpartum women in Hawai’i, especially higher-risk Native Hawaiian, other Pacific Islander, and Filipino (NHOPI) women, is an important next step for researchers. However, several gaps in knowledge presently preclude such intervention studies. First, it is unknown whether postpartum women in Hawai’i desire additional support to increase their PA, and if so, whether eHealth tools would be considered acceptable. Second, NHOPI women may differ in ways that may influence the effectiveness of eHealth interventions to promote MVPA. Such cultural, personal, and familial factors have not been investigated, and this context is necessary to tailor appropriate interventions for these populations.