Abstract

Background: This article describes the case study of a community-based participatory research team that has used a social ecological approach to address significant health disparities in type 2 diabetes among Marshallese living in Arkansas.
Methods: A case study approach is used to analyze the activities of the community-based participatory research partnership using a social ecological framework to describe how multiple factors across the social ecology are being addressed simultaneously.
Results: In collaboration with the local Marshallese community and local organizations, the interprofessional team implemented interventions at each of the social ecological levels.
Conclusion: Efforts to address health disparities should include interventions at multiple social ecological levels. Further, engaging diverse community partners contributes to success by leveraging the contextual and cultural knowledge, practices, and resources of all individuals and organizations involved. Finally, combining a social ecological perspective with a community-based participatory research approach contributes to sustainability of the interventions by engaging the broader community and ensuring the interventions reflect an understanding of and appreciation for the community’s culture.