Investigating health disparities in cardiopulmonary and metabolic conditions among Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders
Official title: The Pacific Ocean Native Observational (PONO) Health Legacy Study
Funded at University of Hawaii at Manoa · NIH-10899603 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at the health challenges faced by Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders, especially related to heart and metabolic issues, and it invites participants to help us learn how their lifestyle, genetics, and environment affect their health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Hawaii at Manoa NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Honolulu, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $598,143 |
| NIH project number | 5UG3HL169657-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10899603 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation include Native Hawaiians, Pacific Islanders, and Asian Americans living in Hawaii, particularly those with or at risk for diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.
✕Less likely to help
Patients outside of these ethnic groups or those not residing in Hawaii may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the health challenges faced by Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders in Hawaii, particularly regarding cardiopulmonary and metabolic health issues. By establishing a multi-generational cohort, the study aims to gather comprehensive data on conditions like diabetes and cardiovascular diseases that disproportionately affect these populations. The research employs innovative methods to address previous challenges in studying these groups, ensuring a more accurate representation of their health needs. Participants will contribute to a better understanding of how lifestyle, genetics, and environment influence health outcomes in these communities.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved health interventions and policies tailored specifically for Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders, ultimately reducing health disparities.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in addressing health disparities in similar populations, but this study aims to implement novel methodologies that have not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Hawaii at Manoa
Honolulu, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mau, Marjorie K. Leimomi Mala — University of Hawaii at Manoa
- Study coordinator: Mau, Marjorie K. Leimomi Mala
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.