Noncommunicable diseases (NCD) such as cardiovascular disease, cancers, diabetes and chronic lung diseases account for 68% of global deaths, disproportionally affecting low resource countries; and contributing to disparities in immigrant populations in high resource countries. The studies to be presented in this symposium address Goal Three of the United Nations Sustainable Development program to reduce by 2030 one third of premature mortality from NCD’s through prevention and treatment.
Methods:
As an introduction to the symposium the historical roots of engaged participatory collaborative partnership approach for research will be shared. A brief overview of the key elements of a three-generation mentored model documents its influence.
Results:
This symposium will present current research findings based in Pacific Rim experiences. Nursing has a long history of collaborations, and yet for many decades western hemisphere beliefs and practices dominated these endeavors. To illustrate the transition in methods and research approaches an examination of 3 decades of work which fostered a relationalship approach is presented. Starting in the 1980’s, with nursing colleagues in Taiwan - Ida Martinsons work which influenced Kennedy’s Pacific Rim studies commencing in the late 1990’s in Hong Kong and China and lead to J.L Chen 2000 and onwards program of research across China, Hong Kong, Taiwan and the United States, provide one model (Martinson, 1982; Kennedy, 1998). Using this as a frame for contemporary work results from the three recent studies and their implications for children, adult and family health across these four countries with native populations and within immigrant populations are addressed.
Conclusion:
Health behaviors in many countries are similarly being influence by modernization (increased media intake, sedentary behaviors, and obesity) and identification of commonalities across the globe to address these and other disparities in health will aid nurses in designing and testing interventions that are more inclusive and evidence based while still being cultured situated and relevant.
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