Primary Submission Category: Health equity
Assessing Needs and Expertise for the National Center for Engagement in Diabetes Research (CEDER)
Authors: Laura Wyatt, Stephanie Albert, Mona AuYoung, Claire Cooper, David Lounsbury, Aditi Luitel, Karina Ramirez, Emma Rodgers, Jennifer Zanowiak, Sandra Albrecht, Chau Trinh-Shevrin, Arleen F Brown, Earle Chambers, Nadia S Islam,
Presenting Author: Aditi Luitel*
Introduction & Objective: CEDER aims to enhance community engagement and equity in type 2 diabetes (T2D) research through a research consultation and community engagement studio model. Phase 1 included a needs and assets assessment (NAA) of potential CEDER clients and experts engaged in T2D research. Results on identified needs and expertise are presented.
Methods: The 20-minute NAA was administered to a purposive sample of individuals engaged in T2D programs or research, including CEDER members, nominated individuals, and NIDDK-funded researchers from June-November 2024; respondents received a gift card. The NAA covered 11 aspects of conducting research (e.g., funding, data collection, dissemination); question phrasing differed based on respondent type (researcher, service provider, both). Participants rated challenges (not at all to extremely challenging) and experience (leading/participating in 0 to 10+ projects) for each aspect. Aspects were considered needs when ³25% selected “Very or Extremely challenging.” Experience on 3+ projects identified expertise. Descriptive analyses were run overall and stratified by respondent type.
Results: The NAA was completed by individuals from various sectors, geographies, and populations of interest, and consisted of researchers (n=94), service providers (n=29), and both (n=67). Most were women (70%) and identified as an ethnic minority (57%); 21 US states were represented. Needs included: (1) finding/securing funding (44%), (2) sustaining programs/partnerships (32%), and (3) recruiting/retaining participants (27%). Expertise included: (1) data collection/management (80%), (2) collaboration with partners (74%), and (3) data analysis (74%).
Conclusion: The NAA identified needs, as well as availability of diverse expertise, across the US. This can be leveraged to support T2D equity research through CEDER activities/resources. Variability was identified by respondent type and will be presented in final analyses.