Yale Ph.D. candidate and Leone High School graduate Mata’u Faiai is part of a vital research study aimed at preventing non-communicable diseases, or NCDs, among youth in American Samoa.
The study focuses on high blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity, with free screenings conducted at Leone, Voc-Tech, and Tafuna High Schools.
Parental consent is required for student participation, and Mata’u urges parents to review and sign the consent forms distributed last week.
These screenings include BMI measurements, blood pressure checks, and a quick, painless finger-prick test to evaluate blood sugar levels. Fasting is not required.
Mata’u highlights that the data collected from this research will provide insights into the health of American Samoa’s youth, supporting efforts to combat the island’s high rates of NCDs and helping secure resources for prevention and treatment.
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A proud product of the local education system, Mata’u graduated from Leone High School before earning a Bachelor’s degree from Chaminade University and a Master’s degree from George Washington University. She also served the community during the measles and COVID-19 crises, which inspired her to pursue her Ph.D. in chronic disease epidemiology at Yale University.
