Wieland, Mark L.

Abstract Background Immigrant women experience disproportionate psychosocial stress driven by acculturation, socioeconomic hardship, discrimination, and transnational responsibilities. Despite evidence supporting culturally tailored stress‑management interventions, limited formative research has examined program preferences across diverse immigrant communities. Methods Using a community‑based participatory research (CBPR) approach, we conducted three language‑concordant focus groups (Somali, Spanish, English; n = 18) and a mixed‑methods survey (n = 88) with immigrant women in southeast Minnesota. Qualitative data were analyzed using constant comparative methods; quantitative data were summarized descriptively. Results Participants described intersecting stressors including caregiving burdens, financial insecurity, immigration‑related fears, bicultural identity strain, and transnational obligations (e.g., “Every day you are being told of problems back at home”). Barriers to discussing stress included stigma, limited culturally concordant care, religious norms discouraging emotional disclosure, and structural constraints such as lack of insurance (e.g., “How are you gonna pay for a therapist if you don't have health insurance?”). Coping strategies varied culturally but consistently emphasized social support, spirituality, and practical stress‑reduction techniques. Survey findings indicated strong preference for education on stress, stigma reduction, culturally and linguistically aligned support groups, and flexible delivery formats (in‑person, hybrid). Conclusions Immigrant women experience multifaceted stress shaped by minority stress processes and structural inequities. Findings highlight the need for culturally responsive, community‑informed stress‑management interventions that integrate education, social support, and flexible delivery modalities. These results directly inform adaptation of a stress‑management program for Somali, Spanish‑, and English‑speaking immigrant women.

Abstract Introduction: There is growing focus on community-engaged research (CEnR) in the clinical and translational sciences, supportive policies, environments, and processes within academic medical centers. The purpose of this evaluation was to gather academic and community member perspectives on key actionable strategies for supporting CEnR in an academic medical center. Materials and Methods: We used a sequential mixed method design by first conducting qualitative in-depth interviews with academic leaders, investigators, and staff (total, n = 54) and focus group discussions with community members ( n = 33). Themes from these qualitative data informed the adaptation of an institutional survey that gathered perspectives from a broader group of academic and community members affiliated with the institution ( n = 85). Both qualitative and quantitative data were integrated to inform actionable strategies. Results: Survey findings revealed that the institution was perceived as committed to health equity and CEnR, but institutional respondents expressed more concerns than community members about instrumental support of the work. Interviews and focus groups highlighted the opportunity to better align research efforts with community needs through more robust CEnR infrastructure and through interface with the clinical practice to promote patient access. Academic and community members emphasized the need for authentic, sustained engagement beyond federal mandates, including financial investment, capacity-building, and fostering trust. Leaders acknowledged structural challenges, siloed efforts, and the necessity for stronger coordination to increase integration of community engagement into the institutional mission. Conclusion: Findings suggest that aligning academic leaders, researchers, staff perspectives, and community members is essential to support and promote CEnR at an institutional level.

Abstract Background Immigrants to the United States often face challenges from limited healthcare access and less healthy environments which contribute to rising obesity and cardiovascular risk. Purpose To assess the feasibility and effectiveness of a community-based social network intervention for cardiovascular risk reduction among Hispanic and Somali adults. Methods A social network-informed, community-based participatory research-derived health promotion intervention was delivered by Hispanic and Somali lay health promoters (HPs) to members of their social networks over 1 year (12 biweekly sessions in months 0-6; 12 biweekly check-ins in months 7-12). Using a closed-cohort stepped wedge cluster randomized design, social networks were randomly assigned to receive the intervention immediately or after a delay of 1 year. Measurements at baseline, 6 months, and 12 months were derived from 6 of the American Heart Association’s “Life’s Simple 7”: BMI, blood pressure, fasting glucose, cholesterol, physical activity and dietary quality (range 0-12, with higher values indicating lower cardiovascular risk). Waist circumference and proportion of participants who achieved >5% body weight loss were also assessed. Results Four hundred seventy-five participants were enrolled among 51 HPs (29 Hispanic; 22 Somali). There was a statistically significant improvement in cardiovascular risk in the intervention group (n = 246) compared with controls (n = 229) at 6 months (0.4 [1.8] vs. −0.1 [1.7]; P = .03) that was not sustained at 12 months (0.5 [1.9] vs. 0.3 [1.8]; P = .38). There was a statistically significant higher proportion of participants who lost >5% of body weight in the intervention group compared with controls at 12 months (37% [15] vs. 18% [7.9]; P = .02). Reductions in weight and waist circumference in the intervention group compared with controls did not achieve statistical significance. Conclusion A social network intervention, delivered by lay HPs was feasible and resulted in a modest improvement of cardiovascular risk and clinically significant weight loss. Clinical Trial Identification Number NCT05136339.

Due to systemic barriers, policymakers in the United States may be unaware of immigrants’ health-related priorities. In response, Rochester Healthy Community Partnership, a 22-year community-engaged partnership, collaborated with 14 Hispanic/Latino and Somali immigrant health promoters in fall 2023 using Photovoice to document their health-related assets and needs. After taking photos, the health promoters reflected, discussed the issues revealed in their images, and developed policy recommendations. Guided by Public Health Critical Race Praxis, we used thematic analysis to analyze health promoters’ reflections. Three themes emerged: healthy choices, inclusion of people and cultural celebrations, and access to opportunity. Health promoters want to expand healthy choices in Southeast Minnesota by growing community garden programming, protecting the environment, making healthy options accessible, and opening an affordable gym. They highlighted the importance of integrating culture and community into youth education, access to culturally appropriate foods, and the need to address Islamophobia. Health promoters wanted increased access to job opportunities, affordable housing, and health care. They saw these opportunities as vehicles for self-improvement but emphasized time management as essential in the United States. Ensuring that immigrants have a meaningful voice in shaping policies that affect health is critical. Policymakers can leverage these findings by demonstrating responsiveness to community-identified priorities and acting on health promoters’ policy recommendations. We encourage future Photovoice researchers to apply explicitly anti-racist frameworks, such as Public Health Critical Race Praxis, to document and challenge systemic oppression.

The COVID-19 pandemic caused unprecedented disruption of social networks and negatively impacted social determinants of health (SDoH, e.g., economic stability, mental health, health care access) among African Americans. The FAITH! (Fostering African-American Improvement in Total Health!) Program, an academic-community partnership with African American churches, pivoted to pandemic-related impacts on health behaviors of African Americans. This exploratory, cross-sectional study examined associations between multilevel factors influencing difficulty maintaining a healthy lifestyle during the early pandemic phase, including mental/emotional health and COVID-19 hardships (e.g., job/food/housing insecurity, paying utilities). An online survey was distributed via FAITH!-affiliated churches and social media. Logistic regression (odds ratios [ORs], adjusted for age/gender) and associated 95% confidence intervals [CIs]) examined associations between difficulty maintaining a healthy lifestyle and multilevel factors. Greater than half of respondents reported difficulty maintaining a healthy lifestyle (N = 169, 54% [91/169]). Adjusted odds of having difficulty maintaining a healthy lifestyle were greater for those reporting mental/emotional health issues (high-stress OR 4.0; 95% CI [1.9,8.9], p < .001); occasional symptoms of depression (OR 3.7; 95% CI [01.9,7.7]; p < .001); anger (OR 2.5; 95% CI [1.2,5.4]; p = .044), and anxiety (OR 2.8; 95% CI [1.4,6.0]; p = .008)). COVID-19 hardships of job insecurity (OR 1.4.; 95% CI [0.7, 2,8]; p = .015), difficulty paying rent (OR 4.4; 95% CI [2.1,9.9]; p < .001) or difficulty paying for food/utilities (OR 5.4; 95% CI [2.6,11.7]; p < .001) were associated with difficulty maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Our study revealed the negative impact of mental/emotional health and COVID-19 hardships on maintaining a healthy lifestyle among African Americans. This could inform SDoH-focused lifestyle interventions during future public health crises.

Rochester Healthy Community Partnership, a 20-year community based participatory research partnership, used photovoice to learn about Hispanic/Latino and Somali immigrants’ health concerns. Participants photographed their health-related priorities, reflected, developed policy recommendations, and shared photographs at a public event and rotating exhibit in 2024. More than 100 people attended the event (19 decision makers, 64 members of the public, 11 immigrant leader participants, 11 research staff). All decision-maker and public survey respondents reported learning something new about the priorities of Hispanic/Latino and Somali immigrants. ( Am J Public Health. 2025;115(S2):S120–S125. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2025.308098 )

Introduction: Despite being healthier than the general population on arrival, immigrants to the US often face systemic barriers to healthy lifestyle behaviors and increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Self-efficacy has been associated with healthy diet and physical activity behaviors, but associations and construct validity have not been well studied in large samples of immigrant populations. Hypothesis: Self-efficacy for a healthy diet and physical activity will be associated with better dietary quality and intake and more physical activity, respectively. We also assessed the construct validity of measurement scales in this population. Methods: Set in southeast Minnesota and embedded with the Rochester Healthy Community Partnership, a 20-year community-based participatory research partnership, the Healthy Immigrant Community study enrolled Hispanic/Latinx and Somali immigrants into a randomized intervention to reduce obesity and CVD risks. Baseline assessments included biometric measures and self-reports of dietary intake, physical activity, and quality of life in English, Spanish, or Somali. Two self-efficacy items (“How confident are you that you can eat a healthy diet?”; “How confident are you that you can participate in regular exercise or physical activity?”) were rated as a percentage interval (0%=not at all confident; 25%; 50%=somewhat confident; 75%; 100%=very confident). Results: In total, 451 participants, 268 (59%) Hispanic/Latinx and 183 (41%) Somali, completed baseline assessments for this analysis. The mean age was 45 years (range=18-87), 59% were female, and 37% lacked health insurance over ≤12 months. Participants reporting more confidence to eat a healthy diet were more likely to eat fruits and vegetables as snacks ( p =<0.001), and less likely to drink fruit drinks or sports drinks ( p =0.02) or regular soda ( p =<0.001). Those reporting more confidence to be physically active were also reported higher levels of physical activity ( p =0.001). Validated self-efficacy scales had a wide distribution of scores, suggesting that the measures can be appropriately used among these immigrant communities. Conclusion: Higher self-efficacy for a healthy diet and physical activity were significantly associated with healthier eating and physical activity behaviors. Lifestyle interventions to reduce CVD risk may benefit from incorporating culturally tailored strategies to enhance self-confidence and support health equity in immigrant communities.

Abstract Background: Self-efficacy theory proposes that confidence to engage in a health behavior is associated with engaging in that specific behavior. Most research examining self-efficacy has been conducted with white young adult populations. This secondary analysis examined the association of self-efficacy (i.e., confidence) for healthy eating and physical activity in two immigrant communities. Methods: At enrollment into the Healthy Immigrant Community study, a clinical weight management and cardiovascular risk reduction intervention set in southeastern [state], 475 participants completed assessments about their confidence for healthy eating and physical activity. Measurements also included self-reports of dietary quality and intake, physical activity, quality of life, and biometric assessments. Study materials were available in English, Spanish, and Somali. Results In total, 450 adults (Hispanic/Latinx = 267; Somali = 183) completed measures at baseline and were included for analysis. Their average age was 45 years (range 18–87) and 59% were female. Confidence for healthy eating was significantly associated with self-report of eating healthy snacks ( p = < 0.0001) and less consumption of high-calorie drinks ( p = 0.02) and regular soda ( p = < 0.0001). Confidence to be physically active was significantly associated with more self-reported physical activity ( p = < 0.01). Conclusions Confidence to eat healthy and be physically active appears to be associated with having a healthier diet and higher levels of physical activity. Given the large sample size and strength of the associations, it also appears that the theoretical model of self-efficacy can be effectively measured and applied within these immigrant populations. Self-efficacy theory may be useful in understanding potential mediating mechanisms when designing future interventions with immigrant communities. ClinicalTrials.gov registration: NCT05136339; April 23, 2022

Importance Hispanic adults with type 2 diabetes (T2D) are more likely to develop complications and die from the disease than the US general population. Digital storytelling interventions are narrative-based videos elicited through a community-based participatory research approach to surface the authentic voices of participants overcoming obstacles to health-promoting behaviors that perpetuate health inequities; research on the effect of digital storytelling on T2D outcomes among Hispanic adults is lacking. Objective To assess the impact of a digital storytelling intervention on glycemic control and its acceptability among Hispanic patients with poorly controlled T2D. Design, Setting, and Participants This was a multicenter, randomized clinical trial conducted within 2 primary care networks in Minnesota and Arizona among Hispanic adults with poorly controlled T2D (hemoglobin A 1c level ≥8%). Enrollment and follow-up were conducted between February 14, 2019, and November 1, 2023. Intervention The intervention group viewed a 12-minute digital storytelling video. The video included 4 Spanish-language stories that reinforced 4 diabetes self-management behavioral goals (healthful diet for diabetes, physical activity, medication adherence, and glucose self-monitoring). The control group received printed, culturally tailored T2D education materials. Main Outcomes and Measures The primary outcome was the mean change from baseline to 3 months for hemoglobin A 1c levels, adjusting for baseline hemoglobin A 1c , age, gender, education, and income. Acceptability and narrative quality of the intervention were assessed through questionnaires. Results There were 451 study participants, with 227 (mean [SD] age, 54.3 [9.3] years; 158 [69.3%] women) randomized to the intervention group and 224 (mean [SD] age, 54.5 [9.1] years; 156 [69.3%] women) to the control group. Of these, 390 completed 3-month follow-up of the primary outcome (86% retention). There was a small improvement in the mean (SD) hemoglobin A 1c level in the intervention group compared with the control group in the adjusted model (9.1% [1.7] to 8.4% [1.6] vs 9.4% [1.8] to 8.8% [2.0]; P = .04] but not in the unadjusted model. Acceptability and narrative quality of the intervention were high. Conclusions and Relevance In this randomized clinical trial, a digital storytelling intervention developed with and for Hispanic adults with T2D was highly acceptable and feasibly implemented within primary care settings and resulted in a modest improvement of glycemic control. This was a highly scalable intervention that may be integrated into clinical practice as part of a longitudinal diabetes self-management program for Hispanic adults. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03766438