Socioecological and Behavioral Science for Equity Core

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CORE C: PROGRAM SUMMARY / ABSTRACT There are significant disparities that influence prevalence, complications, and outcomes in diabetes. The Southeastern U.S. represents an important intersection of health and social vulnerability where populations disproportionately affected by diabetes tend to be defined by race/ethnicity, socioeconomic status, age, gender, sexual identity, comorbidities, and geography. As such, the development and use of ethically- congruent strategies to engage, recruit, and retain disproportionately affected populations is critical for diabetes translation research and health equity. However, a major gap is suboptimal reach, adoption, and sustained use of evidence-based prevention and care programs, especially among minorities and underserved populations. Successful translation of evidence to practice, programs, and policy is a complex, lengthy process that benefits from understanding socioecological factors, intentional community engagement, and application of behavioral and implementation science approaches and methods. Effective translation research can efficiently identify ways to improve reach adoption, utilization, and continued engagement with evidence-based prevention and care programs. The Georgia Center for Diabetes Translation Research (GCDTR) proposes a Socio-ecological and Behavioral Science for Equity Core (Core C) that will leverage the collective strengths of previous core co-directors [Henry Akintobi, (Disparities) and Escoffery (Engagement and Behavior Change)], a multi-disciplinary group of Core Experts, and the intentional incorporation of community partners and organizations poised to consult, guide and engage investigators. Core C leverages Emory University, Georgia Institute of Technology, and Morehouse School of Medicine's impressive history of collaboration and longstanding work in translation research. Core C will provide expanded support and guidance towards the use of community-engaged translation research and behavior change models to address multilevel determinants of health (Aim 1), provide methodological expertise and education on mixed method data analytic strategies (Aim 2), and apply community-engaged methods to facilitate the application of innovative digital technologies in diabetes prevention and management implementation research (Aim 3; collaboration with Regional Core). Core C will also partner with other GCDTR Cores and Programs to implement a coordinated, innovative “multidisciplinary team approach” to support the GCDTR's Pilot and Feasibility and Enrichment Programs, mentor early career and underrepresented minority investigators, and to promote translation research and equity.