Promoting health equity research
We blend cultural insight, community knowledge, and academic research to promote the overall wellness of African immigrants and refugees. By partnering with researchers, health providers, and community members, we turn findings into action. We engage in community-led research that aim to shape programs, policies, and resources that nurture physical, mental, and social well-being while strengthening our community’s resilience.
Community Wellness Research
Our Objective
Supporting inclusive research, that amplify community voices, honors dignity, support lasting wellness
Current Research
TOGETHER Community Research
We are working with the UW Swallowing & Salivary Bioscience Lab (Rogus-Pulia Lab) to conduct a research study about community awareness of dysphagia and Alzheimer’s disease, efforts in place to address these health issues, and the barriers and facilitators to improve awareness and access to care and research in the community.
Community Readiness Assessment
We are working with researchers at the UW Salivary and Bioscience Lab to assess the needs of our community members when it comes to aging-related health issues, including memory changes and swallowing disorders.
How is this research being conducted?
- Trained interviewers from the African Center are conducting interviews with community leaders and members who can speak knowledgeably about the needs of elders in the community. The perspectives shared will help researchers to understand needs around health issues among minority and immigrant older adults.
Are there any current efforts to support older immigrant adults in the community?
- Yes. We have created an older adults program to educate and connect our elders to resources that enhances their wellbeing.
Research Partner:
African Mothers Postpartum Wellness Research
With our mission of promoting the wellbeing of African immigrants, the African Center has joined the Maternal Child Health Equity and Safety (MatCHES) lab to conduct a study to understand the experience of new African immigrant mothers relating to familial support during the perinatal period.
This study aims to address significant public health knowledge gaps by amplifying experiences, emphasizing the benefits of family support during the postpartum period, and offering service providers insights into resources that African immigrant mothers find beneficial during this time. Findings from this study have the potential to serve as a foundation for maternal and child health programs aimed at this population and contribute to policy discussions on improving health outcomes for African immigrant women.
Survey
We invite African immigrant mothers with children who are 12 months and below to participate in this study. Please fill out the screening questionnaire by clicking this link. If you meet the recruitment requirement, you will be directed to fill out a short survey.
We want to hear from you! We are looking for African immigrant mothers who:
- Are 18 years or older
- Gave birth in the U.S. within the last 12 months
- Can read and understand English
Want to learn more? Contact Jummy at matches@sohe.wisc.edu or Ama at ama@africancentermadison.org
Voices of Resilience Podcast
The “Voices of Resilience” podcast aims to amplify the voices of African immigrant mothers in the US, focusing on their experiences during pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum recovery. The podcast will provide a platform for these mothers to share their challenges, experiences, and the resources that have shaped their perinatal journeys. The goal of the proposed study is to document the perinatal experience of African immigrant mothers living in the US and create a resource for future African immigrant mothers on ways to navigate the perinatal period, specifically the postpartum period in the US.
Interested in sharing your postpartum experience on our podcast?
Contact Jummy at matches@sohe.wisc.edu or Ama at ama@africancentermadison.org
Research Partner:
We look forward to hearing from you.