PILI 'Āina Household

BEHAVIORAL

PILI 'Āina

Participants will receive the 3-month adapted Diabetes Prevention Program's Lifestyle Intervention. These lessons will be delivered by a trained community health worker. At 3 months, participants randomized to the PILI 'Āina intervention will receive a 6-month intervention centered around the use of a raised-bed home garden as the means of engaging household members to 1) increase their access to and intake of vegetables, 2) learn culturally relevant ways of preparing/cooking fresh vegetables through hands-on cooking lessons with local experts, and 3) build family cohesion through family bonding activities. Participants will be given all the equipment and materials (e.g., soil, seeds, instructions, setup of equipment) needed to grow their vegetables using their raised-bed home garden box throughout the entire study. They will receive seeds for the vegetables that can grow in a relatively short period (i.e., within 6 weeks).

OTHER

Control

Participants will receive the 3-month adapted Diabetes Prevention Program's Lifestyle Intervention. These lessons will be delivered by a trained community health worker based on previously tested materials and protocols. At 3 months, participants randomized to the control group will receive monthly untailored health education information and links to community resources from the community health worker via United States Postal Service or electronic messaging. Examples include information on food assistance programs, farmers' markets, cultural events, and physical activity events.

Diet Quality

Time frame: Baseline, 3 month, 9 month, 12 month

To measure diet quality, research staff will collect participants' 24-hour dietary recall by using the Modified 3-Pass Method. They will record diet information, and analysis will be performed by the Pacific Tracker (PacTrac) Program, 4th edition, developed at the University of Hawaii Cancer Center to analyze diets common in Hawai'i. It generates a "healthy eating index" (from 0 = least healthy to 100 = healthiest) shown to have good validity and reliability. Continuous values of the overall score will constitute our primary outcome, but the investigators will also evaluate scores for subscales (diet adequacy, moderation). The investigators will also assess diet quality and patterns by comparing servings consumed for each food group (vegetables, fruits, grains, dairy, and protein) to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) dietary guidelines.

Weight

Time frame: Baseline, 3 month, 9 month, 12 month

The investigators will measure weight (with clothing but without shoes) to the nearest 0.1 kilograms on an electric digital scale (Tanita model BSB800AS, Tokyo, Japan). Scales will be calibrated monthly.

Height

Time frame: Baseline, 3 month, 9 month, 12 month

The investigators will use a portable stadiometer (SECA Road Rod) to record the average of 2 measurements of height to the nearest 0.1 cm. Scales will be calibrated monthly.

Blood pressure

Time frame: Baseline, 3 month, 9 month, 12 month

Blood pressure will be collected with a mercury sphygmomanometer or with a portable automatic blood pressure device (Omron©HEM-907XL, Omron Healthcare) previously used with Native Hawaiians (NHs) to capture changes in blood pressure over time reliably. For both methods, study staff will be trained and certified with standard protocols that involve taking 3 measurements and using the last 2 to obtain each participant's average systolic and diastolic blood pressure (mm Hg). Systolic and diastolic blood pressure will be measured as continuous mm Hg and binary hypertension indicators (≥ 130 systolic or ≥ 80 mm Hg diastolic).

hemoglobin A1c

Time frame: Baseline, 3 month, 9 month, 12 month

Hemoglobin A1c will be measured by DCA Vantage portable analyzers, using blood samples by fingerstick. Results are available in 5 minutes and will be returned to participants. A1c values will be recorded both as a continuous value (%) to the tenths digit and as a binary indicator of A1c \< 8%.

Lipids

Time frame: Baseline, 3 month, 9 month, 12 month

Lipids will be measured by Alere Cholestech LDX portable analyzers, using blood samples by fingerstick. Results are available in 5 minutes and will be returned to participants. Lipids (Low-Density Lipoproteins \[LDL\] and High-Density Lipoproteins \[HDL\]) will be measured as continuous mg/dL and as binary indicators of healthy cholesterol levels (LDL ≤ 130; HDL ≥ 40).

What is a clinical trial?

A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.

Is it safe to participate?

Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.

Will I be compensated?

Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.

Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?

When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.

Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?

Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.

How long does a clinical trial last?

Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.