Prior research suggests that rural and minority communities participate in research at lower rates. While rural and minority populations are often cited as being underrepresented in research, population‐based studies on health research participation have not been conducted. This study used questions added to the 2015 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System to understand factors associated with i) health research participation, ii) opportunities to participate in health research, and iii) willingness to participate in health research from a representative sample (n = 5,256) of adults in Arkansas. Among all respondents, 45.5% would be willing to participate in health research if provided the opportunity and 22.1% were undecided. Only 32.4% stated that they would not be willing to participate in health research. There was no significant difference in participation rates for rural or racial/ethnic minority communities. Furthermore, racial/ethnic minority respondents (Black or Hispanic) were more likely to express their willingness to participate.

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Background: Significant health disparities are present in Marshallese adults residing in the United States, most notably a high incidence of type 2 diabetes and other chronic conditions. There is limited research on medication adherence in the Marshallese population. Objective: This study explored perceptions of and experiences with medication adherence among Marshallese adults residing in Arkansas, with the aim of identifying and better understanding barriers and facilitators to medication adherence. Methods: Eligible participants were Marshallese adults taking at least one medication for a chronic health condition. Each participant completed a brief survey and semistructured interview conducted in Marshallese by a bilingual Marshallese staff member. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and translated from Marshallese to English. Qualitative data were coded for a priori and emergent themes. Results: A total of 40 participants were included in the study. The most common contributing factor for nonadherence was forgetting to take medication (82%). A majority of participants (70%) reported difficulty paying for medicine, 45% reported at least one form of cost-related nonadherence, and 40% engaged in more than one cost-related nonadherence practice. Family support and medication pill boxes were identified as facilitators for medication adherence. The majority of the participants (76.9%) stated that they understood the role of a pharmacist. Participants consistently desired more education on their medications from pharmacy providers. Conclusion: This is the first study to explore barriers and facilitators to medication adherence among Marshallese patients. The findings can be used to develop methods to improve medication adherence among Marshallese.

The purpose of this report is to describe and discuss the development and implementation of an interprofessional educational (IPE) program for students on a regional medical campus. IPE is important in training the next generation of health care professionals. Regional medical campuses often have reduced IPE activities due to limited resources and their distance from their main campuses. However, regional campuses can also provide opportunities for innovative solutions to provide IPE learning experiences. This article demonstrated how one regional campus created innovative opportunities to meet student needs.

Objectives: Marshallese are a Pacific Islander community that experience a disproportionate rate of type 2 diabetes. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the preliminary effectiveness and feasibility of an Adapted-Family Diabetes Self-Management Education (DSME) intervention among Marshallese adults diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and their family members when delivered in a clinical setting. Methods: Marshallese patients (primary participants) with type 2 diabetes (n = 10) and their family members (n = 10) enrolled in a pilot study deigned to evaluate an Adapted-Family DSME curriculum conducted by community health workers and a certified diabetes educator in a clinical setting. Primary and family participants’ health information and biometric data (HbA1c, blood pressure, cholesterol, and body mass index) were collected at preintervention and 12 weeks postintervention. Results: All 10 primary participants and 8 of the family members received all 10 hours of the education intervention. Nine of the 10 primary participants and 8 of the 10 family members completed the pre- and postintervention data collection events. Primary participants demonstrated a mean decrease in HbA1c of 0.7%, from pre- to postintervention, as well as improved blood pressure and cholesterol. Family members demonstrated minor improvements in HbA1c and blood pressure. Conclusions: Results suggest preliminary effectiveness and feasibility of the Adapted-Family DSME in a clinic setting and will inform implementation of a fully powered study.