NCT06526650 · University of Hawaii
'Ai Pono Cooking Demonstrations
What this study is about
Native Hawaiians' traditional lifestyles and diets ensured the mutual health and well-being of the land and its inhabitants, which stand in stark contrast to the disproportionately high prevalence of diet-related, cardiometabolic diseases they experience today.
View original scientific description
Native Hawaiians' traditional lifestyles and diets ensured the mutual health and well-being of the land and its inhabitants, which stand in stark contrast to the disproportionately high prevalence of diet-related, cardiometabolic diseases they experience today. In this project, the investigators will adapt and test an evidence-based multilevel intervention entitled PILI 'Āina to improve the self-management of prevalent cardiometabolic diseases and reduce risk factors for developing new diet-related illnesses and implement and evaluate the impact and sustainability of community-wide cooking demonstrations. The objectives of this project are to optimize the effectiveness and sustainability of PILI 'Āina, improve diet quality, cardiometabolic markers, promote traditional Native Hawaiian diets, and improve social cohesion.
Interventions
OTHER
'Ai Pono
"Hands-on Cooking and Cultural Lessons" These lessons will be widely advertised. Each 2-hour presentation will involve hands-on cooking demonstrations and tastings, accompanied by lessons on the cultural significance of featured food items. Demonstrations will link the consumption of vegetables (e.g., sweet potato, breadfruit, kalo) to Native Hawaiian (NH) history and traditional beliefs to help participants rediscover their heritage through the meals they prepare.
Primary outcome measures
Family Environment
Time frame: Baseline, 1-year, 2-year, 3-year, 4-year
Three subscales, Cohesion, Expressiveness, and Conflict, assess the degree of commitment and support family members provide for one another, the extent to which family members are encouraged to express their feelings directly, and the amount of openly expressed anger and conflict among family members.
Nutrition Environment
Time frame: Baseline, 1-year, 2-year, 3-year, 4-year
The perceived 9-item nutrition environment will be measured by the Gustafson Perceived Nutrition Environment Measures questionnaire, which examines perceived access and availability of healthy foods within \~1 mile of the participant's home, and the availability and affordability of produce in the participant's primary food store. The responses and scores vary depending on the question including 0- disagree, 1-agree, and 0-not important, 1-slightly important, 2-moderately important, 3- important, 4-very important. Higher scores indicate higher perceived access and availability of food.
Social Cohesionn
Time frame: Baseline, 1-year, 2-year, 3-year, 4-year
4-item subscale of the neighborhood level stressors which asks about perceived shared values and trust.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Age 18+ (looking for older adults)
- Native Hawaiian resident in a participating homestead
- Overweight or obese (BMI ≥ 25 kg/m\^2)
- Prior diagnosis of type 2 diabetes or pre-diabetes, hypertension, and/or dyslipidemia (LDL cholesterol ≥ 130 mg/dL)
- Capable of 150 minutes of moderate physical activity (e.g., brisk walking) per week
- Willing and able to participate in all aspects of the individual and household-level intervention
- Fluent in written and spoken English
Exclusion criteria
- No children
- Serious illness such as cancer or chronic pain that may contraindicate full participation
Where
- Honolulu, Hawaii
- Kapolei, Hawaii
Collaborators
National Institutes of Health (NIH), American Heart Association, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
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.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Mar 4, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations