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While diabetes prevalence and cardiovascular risk factors have been increasing among Arab populations worldwide, few studies of Arab Americans have been conducted because of the difficulty in recruiting Arab American participants. Cultural sensitivity and social awareness of different immigrant groups could ensure successful recruitment and retention in clinical studies. While the primary objective of our overall research project was to determine the prevalence of metabolic syndrome in Arab Americans, the focus of this article is to describe the methodology used to overcome challenges in recruiting and enrolling Arab Americans for a community-based study. We used novel methods, including open houses, religious-based venues, and engagement of community leaders, to encourage participation in this clinical and epidemiological study. A community-based approach involving community leaders and educators was useful in recruiting and encouraging participation in this study. As a result, we were able to collect clinical and anthropometric data from 136 Arab American men and women living in the Washington, DC, area and obtain information regarding their chronic diseases, mental health, and acculturation into U.S. culture and lifestyle. Our sampling methodology may serve as a model of a successful recruitment and enrollment strategy, and may assist other researchers to ensure sufficient power in future studies. Engagement of minority participants in clinical studies will enable the creation of targeted clinical intervention and prevention programs for underrepresented and understudied populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A huge problem in the current health system is that Oral care is not currently integrated into the overall health system, given the lack of dental coverage for underserved adults, and the insufficient amount of dentists available for individuals with dental coverage. The lack of education regarding the importance of oral health and shortage in the number of dentists and dental coverage leads to an influx of patients with mild to severe dental problems at the emergency departments (EDs) across the country. Many studies conclude that by integrating oral health into the overall health system, there would an increase in availability for oral care that would be beneficial to patients, and it would be easier and more affordable for the ED to deal with an influx of patients with oral problems. This study examines reasons why patients with dental problems visit the ED at any of MedStar's hospitals. The study will allow us to improve our current understanding of dental emergencies treated at EDs. The study uses MedStar's database to identify individuals who visited the ED for oral issues or emergencies. We will examine correlations between the dental emergency type and certain demographics as well as insurance type. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]