University of Guam School of Health (SOH) faculty were published in two separate, prominent nursing journals earlier this year.

SOH Dean Dr. Margaret Hattori-Uchima published a research article titled, “Chuukese migrant women in Guam: Perceptions of barriers to health care” in the Asian/Pacific Island Nursing Journal.

Her study examined barriers to health care and the factors that influence health-seeking behaviors of Chuukese migrant women in Guam. Micronesian migrants experience disparities in several areas of health and socioeconomic status. The results of the study can help nurses and other health professionals in planning and implementing effective strategies to improve health outcomes and decrease disparities affecting Chuukese migrants, Hattori-Uchima stated in her paper.

 

University of Guam Associate Professor of Nursing Dr. Kathryn Wood published her article “Facilitators and Barriers for Successful Breastfeeding Among Migrant Chuukese Mothers in Guam” in the Sage Open Nursing Journal.

Breastfeeding has been identified as a leading indicator for infant health worldwide, and Wood’s research revealed issues that prevent successful breastfeeding such as lack of support from the local community, family and health-care staff, as well as limited knowledge on managing common breastfeeding problems. Factors that helped women to be successful in breastfeeding included family support, self-confidence, knowledge of breastfeeding, and strong traditional Chuukese values. Wood’s work has been shared with nurses throughout Guam and all over the Micronesian region, which assist health care workers in supporting breastfeeding promotion and maintenance.