University of Guam updates mayors on NIH‑funded health survey pilot, seeks mayoral support for outreach

University of Guam researchers briefed the Mayor’s Council of Guam on a National Institutes of Health–funded pilot to bring a National Health Interview Survey–style instrument to the U.S.‑affiliated Pacific Islands. Presenters said the project has two aims: build local research capacity and conduct population‑based health interviews. The team reported a current recruitment status of 181 completed household surveys toward a 500‑household target (about 36% completion) and said the target is to complete the sample by March.

The presenter described rigorous randomization protocols tied to household listings from the Guam Power Authority and said randomization cannot be reshuffled just to hit quotas. To improve reach the team asked mayors for office support letters to include in interviewer packets and assistance navigating households with gates or signs. The research team also described internal capacity gains, including a Micronesia data laboratory for local data analytics and a locally built survey app with field tags to note barriers such as gated households, stray dogs, or other issues. The presenters offered up to $200 in gas cards to mayoral offices to help staff reach remote or difficult locations and asked mayors to share the team’s contact details for follow‑up.

Council members asked about grant tracking and future funding; presenters said current project funds are NIH‑restricted to health indicators, but they welcome partnerships and grant coordination and noted community steering partnerships that include mayoral representation.