The PINE Study
| Abbreviation | The PINE Study |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To improve the health and quality of life of the U.S. Chinese Aging population through education, research, advocacy, poly and sustainable community-engagement. |
| Location |
|
| Methods | Community-based participatory research |
Official language | English, Mandarin, Cantonese, Taishanese, Teochew |
Main organ | Chinese Health, Aging, and Policy Program, Rush Institute for Healthy Aging, Rutgers University |
| Affiliations | Northwestern University,
Chinese American Service League, Xilin Asian Community Center |
| Budget | NIH funded |
| Website | chinesehealthyaging |
The Population Study of ChINese Elderly (PINE) Study is a collaborative effort between the Chinese Health, Aging, and Policy Program at Rutgers University, Northwestern University and several community services organizations, including Chinese American Service League, Midwest Asian Health Association (MAHA) and Xilin Asian Community Center as the main community partners. This synergistic academic-community partnership is led by XinQi Dong MD, MPH, at Rutgers University, Melissa A Simon, MD, MPH, Esther Wong, ACSW, Bernarda Wong, ACSW, and utilizes a community-based participatory research approach.
The PINE Study is an extensive study that examines the general health and quality of life of Chinese elderly in the Chicago metropolitan area–the largest cohort of Chinese elderly ever assembled for epidemiological research in Western countries. The image and acronym "PINE" was used as a suitable name for the study as in Chinese culture, it symbolizes longevity, resilience, respect and successful aging, which is parallel to the research objectives.
Between 2011 and 2013, 3,159 face-to-face interviews were conducted with elderly living in the community, ages ranging from 60 to 105. Each participant’s interview was personalized according to the languages or dialects they preferred, such as English, Cantonese, Taishanese, Mandarin or Teochew. Data were assembled using a web-based program application which had English, Chinese traditional and simplified characters.