Socioecological and Behavioral Science Core

Emory University, Atlanta GA

Investigators

Linked publications & trials

Abstract

Core C Aims: Socio-ecological and Behavioral Science Aim 1. Facilitate the use of community-engaged research and behavior change models to engage health populations in multilevel Interventions advancing diabetes health impact. Rationale: Specific populations are disproportionately affected by diabetes, yet not systematically involved in research methods designed to engage them; thus, there is an urgency to foster greater community input and collaboration in research to increase diabetes prevention, self-management, or care through a socioecological perspective and/or behavioral sciences theories. This aim will expand knowledge on how to support the adoption, implementation, and sustained impacts of diabetes prevention and care for diverse populations. Key activities to support this aim include: • Consultation and technical assistance on the application of community-engaged translation research principles and practices to effectively engage populations. • Collaboration with the GCDTR’s Pilot and Feasibility (P&F) Program to facilitate stakeholder engagement and • behavioral/implementation science theories and designs among pilot grant investigators • Offer community-engaged studio consultations (with Enrichment Program) and established committees to facilitate optimal community engagement in the real-world implementation of employed research methods. Aim 2. Provide methodological expertise and education on innovative mixed method data analysis strategies designed to understand, measure, and assess multilevel health impact determinants. Rationale: The American Diabetes Association has called for a public health and multideterminant focused approach to address the complex, multilevel, and disparate influences of diabetes risk and disease, with recent recognition of how various social and demographic identities interact and intersect to exacerbate health outcomes and differentially influence risk.. Key activities to support this aim include: • Consultations and methods dissemination (with Enrichment Program) on the applicability and advantages of using mixed method approaches with an intersectionality lens. • Investigator-tailored technical assistance and studio consultations (with GCDTR’s P&F Program) to facilitate use of mixed method approaches with an intersectionality lens. Aim 3. Facilitate the integration of innovative technologies to support implementation research and optimize the measurement and impact of research with diabetes populations. Rationale: Application of emerging and promising digital technologies that promote behavior change while reducing barriers to care can enhance reach of diabetes interventions and accelerate their sustainable implementation in community and clinical venues. Key activities (with the GCDTR Regional Core) to support this aim include: • Investigator-tailored technical assistance to facilitate the study of technologies including a) user- driven technologies; b) wearables and automated insulin delivery; c) big data; d) EHR integration and decision support; and e) patient interactive/remote technologies, with guidance towards increasing impact through community engagement and behavior change with a socioecology lens. • Supporting GCDTR investigators through curated technologies and best practices to jump start pilot projects, promote appropriate technology use, and advance impact. Through promoting community-engaged translation research, providing methodological expertise to understand and address health outcome determinants, and tailoring technologies for populations across the life course and geography, we have the opportunity to close gaps in diabetes prevention, thereby advancing health for all.