Supporting and Advancing Health Research!
The Center for Population Health Research (CPHR) fosters multidisciplinary research success to inform, develop and test strategies for improving health across the lifespan. The long-term goal of CPHR is to contribute to improved health outcomes and quality of life among rural and other vulnerable populations in our state through a sustainable, multi-disciplinary center that addresses challenging rural health problems. CPHR fosters collaboration by uniting faculty from diverse disciplines, such as medicine, epidemiology, mathematical sciences, exposure science, health economics, and social and behavioral sciences. This interdisciplinary approach builds a strong community of investigators, enhancing the Center's mission to improve human health research in rural communities.
Latest Projects
Addressing Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMADs) Through a Doula Intervention
Dr. Jessica Liddell - School of Social Work
Perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs) are the most common complication of childbirth and are especially prevalent among rural populations who experience heightened negative maternal and child health (MCH) outcomes. The use of doulas, who are non-medically trained birth support professionals, may be one way to address existing healthcare gaps, improve mental health outcomes, and promote maternal health. This research will use community-based research methods to develop and pilot an intervention using doulas to help address PMADs and other MCH needs of rural populations in Montana.
Reducing Food Insecurity and Improving Health: Promoting Wellbeing and Longevity Among Native American Older Adults
In the U.S., Native Americans experience a disproportionate burden of type 2 diabetes and food insecurity, two health outcomes that can be linked to long-term impacts of colonization. Produce prescription programs are an evidence-based innovation to reduce food insecurity and improve health while showing promise to align with tribal community priorities to strengthen local food systems and promote culture-centered nutrition education. This study uses a community-based participatory research (CBPR) approach to co-develop a tailored produce prescription intervention among Native American older adults and Elders living on the rural Flathead Reservation in Northwestern Montana. Study partners include the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes Health Department and a local food resource organization. By using a CBPR approach and leveraging a long-term collaborative partnership across academic, tribal health, and non-profit organizations, this study leverages community strengths to engage a population currently underrepresented in nutrition research to reduce type 2 diabetes and food insecurity, and to promote wellbeing and longevity among Native American older adults.