Presentation description

Native Hawaiian and Pacific Island (NHPI) populations experience disparities in conditions such as obesity and diabetes. The Wellness Bus is a community resource that provides obesity and diabetes related screenings and connects visitors to health promotion and disease prevention resources. However, it is unclear the degree to which the Wellness Bus is benefiting the NHPI community. This project aims to explore the degree to which Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders in the Salt Lake Valley visit the Wellness Bus, investigate community perspectives on the Wellness Bus as an NHPI resource, and provide recommendation for enhanced utilization of Wellness Bus services by NHPI community members. The Wellness Bus is a component of the Driving Out Diabetes initiative that operates under the University of Utah, offering vital health screenings such as blood glucose and cholesterol testing, blood pressure measurement, and body mass index assessment, all of which are crucial for early detection and management of diabetes. This project will employ a mixed-methods approach which includes analyzing both quantitative data, such as the number and proportion of new NHPI visitors to the Wellness Bus, and qualitative data obtained from ethnographic study and interviews with Wellness Bus operators and NHPI community leaders. These interviews will explore topics including awareness and accessibility, communication and outreach, cultural perceptions and trust, and past experiences and recommendations, all regarding the utilization of the bus. By integrating and analyzing these quantitative and qualitative data, the research aims to uncover the barriers preventing, and facilitators encouraging, NHPI engagement with these services. The predicted results include a comprehensive understanding of the factors influencing engagement and actionable strategies to address these areas. The ultimate goal is to improve overall health outcomes and reduce diabetes-related health disparities in this underserved population.