Our interprofessional global health research focuses on developing evidence to prevent and treat non-communicable diseases in low and middle-income countries. To further this work, we focus on using and training students in two methodologies: systematic reviews and mixed methods studies. We welcome opportunities to collaborate with students and researchers across disciplines and around the globe. Please contact us to learn more about these opportunities.
Toward preventing cardiovascular disease: Physical activity, exercise, & physical fitness in Ugandans living with HIV (Kampala, Uganda)
In collaboration with the Joint Clinical Research Center, we are currently conducting a mixed methods study to describe the meaning, value, and patterns of physical activity and diet intake, and their impact on physical fitness in Ugandans living with HIV. Using innovative photo voice qualitative methods, and gold standard quantitative methods (actigraphy and physical fitness assessments), we are currently enrolling 200 adults in Kampala, Uganda, to characterize these important health-promoting behaviors in this rapidly developing setting.
Published findings include:
- A Mixed Methods, Observational Investigation of Physical Activity, Exercise, and Diet Among Older Ugandans Living With and Without Chronic HIV Infection. J Assoc Nurses AIDS Care. 2021 Nov-Dec 01;32(6):640-651. doi: 10.1097/JNC.0000000000000221.
Improving Systems of Care to Prevent and Treat Rheumatic Heart Disease (Uganda)
As part of a five-year partnership with the Uganda Heart Institute, Case Western Reserve University, Washington Children’s, RhEACH, and Medtronic Philanthropies to reduce Rheumatic Heart Disease in Uganda, we conducted several mixed methods studies to describe how to develop contextually-appropriate interventions.
Published findings include:
- Chang, A.Y., Nabbaale, J., Okello, E., Ssinabulya, Barry, M., Beaon, A.Z., Webel, A.R., & Longenecker, C.T. (2020). Outcomes and Care Quality Metrics for Women of Reproductive Age Living with Rheumatic Heart Disease in Uganda. Journal of the American Heart Association. e015562. doi: 10.1161/JAHA.119.015562
- Chang, A.Y., Nabbaale, J., Nalubwama, H., Okello, E., Ssinabulya, I., Longenecker, C.T., and Webel, A.R., 2018. Motivations of women in Uganda living with rheumatic heart disease: A mixed methods study of experiences in stigma, childbearing, anticoagulation, and contraception. PloS one, 13(3), p.e0194030.
- Scheel, A., Beaton, A., Okello, E., Longenecker, C.T., Otim, I.O., Lwabi, P., Sable, C., Webel, A.R., and Aliku, T., 2018. The impact of a peer support group for children with rheumatic heart disease in Uganda. Patient education and counseling, 101(1), pp.119-123.
- Huck, D.M., Nalubwama, H., Longenecker, C.T., Frank, S.H., Okello, E., and Webel, A.R., 2015. A qualitative examination of secondary prophylaxis in rheumatic heart disease: factors influencing adherence to secondary prophylaxis in Uganda
Using Peers to Improve Cardiovascular Health (West Bengal, India)
To better understand how to develop community based interventions to improve cardiovascular health in West Bengal, India, we are currently conducting mixed-methods studies nested within Project SEHAT, a cluster randomized clinical trial.
- Khetan, A., Patel, T., Hejjaji, V., Barbhaya, D., Mohan, S.K.M., Josephson, R., and Webel, A., 2018. Role development of community health workers for cardiovascular disease prevention in India. Evaluation and program planning, 67, pp.177-183.
- Khetan, A.K., Purushothaman, R., Chami, T., Hejjaji, V., Mohan, S.K.M., Josephson, R.A., and Webel, A.R., 2017. The Effectiveness of community health workers for CVD prevention in LMIC. Global heart, 12(3), pp.233-243.