Objective We describe the development of a community and academic research partnership, share reflections on processes for collaborations, and identify key factors for establishing strong and effective relationships to foster high-quality research. Background A community-based participatory research (CBPR) effort evaluating a community-based patient navigation program assisting Chamorro women to access breast cancer services in Southern California served as the foundation for the development of the community-academic partnership. Methods Using a CBPR approach focusing on active involvement of community members, organizational representatives, and academic researchers in all aspects of research process, faculty from a research university and a local community-based organization were brought together to build a partnership. Community and academic partners engaged in a series of meetings where dialogue focused on developing and nurturing trust and shared values, respect for community knowledge, and establishing community-defined and prioritized needs and goals. Partners have also focused on defining and developing explicit structures and policies to implement an equal partnership. Results Experiences and lessons learned are shared, reflecting the processes of relationship building, and planning and implementing preliminary research steps. Lessons Learned Adequate time for relationship-building, open and honest communication, flexibility, and ongoing examination of assumptions are keys to developing successful CBPR partnerships.
We measured Hepatitis B virus (HBV) transmission knowledge and self-reported screening/testing behavior among Pacific Islanders (Guamanians/Chamorros, Samoans, and Tongans) in Southern California. We also examined access and trust by Pacific Islanders of varying health information sources. We administered and analyzed survey data (N = 297), using a convenience sample in Los Angeles, Orange, and San Diego Counties in spring 2009. We found that while Pacific Islander respondents reported that they receive health information from physicians, and largely trust this source, information from and trust in physicians were not statistically significant in explaining whether respondents sought HBV screening or vaccination.
Community-based participatory research (CBPR), applied authentically according to its principles, is inherently conducive to empowerment and capacity building for academic and community partners by promoting egalitarian collaborations through all stages of research. During an intensive qualitative study exploring the intersection of HIV-HPV and cancer in the Pacific Islander (PI) communities of Southern California, we strengthen effective collaborations between an academic research team and two PI community-based organizations (CBOs). Responding to an NCI call for research exploring AIDS-related cancers, our CBOs worked closely with the academic team to examine HIV-HPV factors among Chamorro and Tongan young adults. Key informant and focus groups interviews were collaboratively chosen as the grounded theory research design. Community partners lead the process in: 1) determining most locally relevant and culturally appropriate point of entry for the study investigating HIV and its potential connections to HPV; 2) establishing and convening project specific community advisory board; 3) recruiting study participants; and 4) collecting data. The academic team conducted trainings on HIV, HPV, sampling, data collection, and analysis. Partners jointly lead dissemination efforts. The decision-making process incorporated culturally appropriate meeting protocols of sharing food and experiences through “talk story.” Through our successful CBPR collaboration, we ensured a shared discourse on cancer-related and comorbid topics, and we solidified and reaffirmed our relationship for ongoing and future projects. Thus, CBPR is critical, as the need to address cancer health disparities through collaborative research continues to play a key role in shaping the racial/ethnic minority and medically underserved healthcare landscape. Citation Information: Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2011;20(10 Suppl):B14.
Background: Racial/ethnic minority and medically underserved populations are at significant risk of the intersection of HIV/AIDS, HPV, and cancer. Little is known about the intersection of these public health issues in Pacific Islander communities. Purpose: Establishing the ground work for understanding the intersection of these diseases, we assessed HIV and HPV risk and prevention factors among Chamorro and Tongan young adults in Southern California. Methods: Under guidelines of CBPR, a qualitative study was implemented utilizing community based focus groups with male and female young adults, and parents (n=69); and key informant interviews with medical, mental health, and social service providers, and community leaders from social, youth, and faith-based groups (n=26). Results: Utilizing grounded theory, common factors impacting HIV-HPV risk and prevention among young adults were identified: 1) religio-cultural taboos limit communication about sexual health between generations and from community leaders; 2) limited knowledge of HIV and particularly HPV engender misperceptions about disease transmission and prevention; 3) sexual abstinence, especially for young women, is promoted by parents and religious leaders; however, 4) the norm of expected abstinence leads to low levels of condom acceptance; and 5) collectivist notions of filial shame associated with HIV-HPV testing and utilization of other sexual health services, constrains prevention. Discussion: Quantitative exploration of the relationship between factors identified and behavior, as well as research to identify HIV/HPV links to cancer in these communities is needed. Future consideration must include multigenerational, gender appropriate and cultural norms –especially related to religion and the interplay between individualism and collectivism. Citation Information: Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2011;20(10 Suppl):B86.
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