Pilot studies

Some past pilot studies have matured into core research projects of the PHH-PRC, described elsewhere on this website.  In addition, the PHH-PRC has served as an incubator for two important research initiatives that have come to maturity outside the Center.  A PHH-PRC pilot study assessed the feasibility of a smoking cessation program at a single housing development, using Resident Health Advocates who had received additional training to serve as Tobacco Treatment Advocates.  The pilot showed that it was feasible to implement such a program, that the program was well accepted by participants, and that researchers and community members were able to develop a good working partnership.  On the basis of the pilot study, the principal investigator received a five-year grant from the National Cancer Institute to conduct a trial to establish whether the use of Tobacco Treatment Advocates can increase public housing residents’ use of smoking cessation treatments, as well as the likelihood that they will quit smoking. 

Similarly, the PHH-PRC has supported the Center for Research to Evaluate and Eliminate Dental Disparities, which is housed in the Boston University School of Dental Medicine, in developing the dental health intervention project now underway in Boston’s family housing developments.  For this project, public housing residents previously trained as Resident Health Advocates in the PHH-PRC have received additional training to become Oral Health Advocates.  The study tests whether Oral Health Advocates, by teaching about dental hygiene and encouraging residents to bring children in for repeated varnish applications, can reduce the incidence of cavities in young children. 

The next generation of pilot studies is currently in development.

News You Can Use

The National Campaign for Full Funding for Public Housing in the United States is petitioning members of Congress to include full funding in upcoming legislation. Go to this weblink to find the petition and add your signature: http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/
fullfundingforpublichousing/

Recent publications from PHH-PRC investigators:

Scammell et al., “Meeting People Where They Are: Engaging Public Housing Residents for Integrated Pest Management.” Progress in Community Health Partnerships 2011:5(2).

Rorie et al., “Use of a Resident Health Advocate Model to Improve Public Health Van Screening and Follow-Up Among Public Housing Residents” (Prev Chronic Dis 2011; 8(1)).

Douyon et al., “The GirlStars Program: Challenges to Recruitment and Retention in a Physical Activity and Health Education Program for Adolescent Girls Living in Public Housing” (Prev Chronic Dis 2010; 7(2))