Core research projects

All the core research projects of the PHH-PRC, since its inception, have embraced the community-based participatory research model for working in—and with—local communities.  In the two most recent projects, the community health worker model has been tailored for use in the public housing setting. 

In 2007 and 2008, the PHH-PRC undertook a formal evaluation of the program that trains public housing residents to work as Resident Health Advocates —specialized community health workers serving residents of public housing.  This RHA intervention study, a core research project of the PHH-PRC, demonstrated that when an RHA was present in a public housing development, working to motivate and assist residents, a higher percentage of residents took advantage of opportunities for health screening. (The published research article describing the intervention study can be downloaded here.)

The core research project now underway extends the RHA model, considering the effectiveness of RHAs who have received additional training to serve as Resident Health Navigators.  These Resident Health Navigators will provide guidance and support to help public housing residents find their way through the health care maze. Specifically, the research project will assess whether Resident Health Navigators improve residents’ access to care offered in local community health centers after an abnormal result on a screening test.

An earlier core research study evaluated the GirlStars Program, which was developed to provide adolescent girls living in public housing access to both organized physical activity and health education, in alternating weekly sessions. The evaluation found that participation had positive effects for the girls—increasing their health knowledge, self-confidence, and decision-making skills—but that a variety of factors kept participation rates low.  (The published research article describing the GirlStars evaluation can be downloaded here.)

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))