The Impact of a Community Health Worker-Led Lifestyle-Social Determinants Program on Pacific Islander Cardiometabolic Health

Authors: Joseph Keawe'aimoku Kaholokula, Eunjung Lim, Claire Townsend Ing, Anna Fan, Jonathan Baker, Atalina Pasi , Liliane Ulukivaiola, Kāhealani Naeole, Kekoa Lopez-Paguyo, Nia Aitaoto, Sheri-Ann Daniels; Peau o le Vasa

This study tested a lifestyle program led by community health workers to improve diabetes and heart health among Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders. The 12-week program helped participants lose weight, lower blood sugar and blood pressure, and improve cholesterol levels compared with those who did not receive the program. Participants also improved their eating habits, physical activity, social support, and overall well-being. Both participants and health workers found the program practical and culturally meaningful, suggesting it could be expanded to support these communities more widely.