Ajjmuurur Baamḷe family diabetes education in the Marshall Islands
Evaluation of the effectiveness of Ajjmuurur Baamḷe DSMES in the RMI
A family-based, culturally adapted diabetes education program to help Marshallese adults with type 2 diabetes and their families learn practical skills for managing diabetes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of Arkansas for Med Scis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Little Rock, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11286815 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You and your family would join Ājjmuurur Baamḷe, a Marshallese-led diabetes education program that uses family motivational interviewing, family goal-setting, and culturally preferred "talk story" conversations. Family members participate alongside the person with diabetes to teach supportive behaviors and real-life self-care skills tailored to Marshallese culture. The team tracks outcomes like blood sugar, blood pressure, weight, and changes in daily diabetes management over time. The program was co-developed with Marshallese community members to address local barriers and leverage cultural strengths.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Marshallese adults with type 2 diabetes and their family members who live in the Republic of the Marshall Islands (or in communities where the program is offered) and are willing to join family-based education sessions.
Not a fit: People with type 1 diabetes, those without family involvement, or patients needing immediate medical procedures or advanced medical devices may not receive direct benefit from this education program.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the program could improve blood sugar control, increase family support, and strengthen daily diabetes self-care for Marshallese adults.
How similar studies have performed: Culturally tailored diabetes self-management education and family-centered programs have improved self-care and glycemic control in other populations, though the Marshallese 'talk story' family model is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
Little Rock, United States
- Univ of Arkansas for Med Scis — Little Rock, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Riklon, Sheldon — Univ of Arkansas for Med Scis
- Study coordinator: Riklon, Sheldon
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.