Community-Based Participatory Research From the Margin to the Mainstream

Abstract

Abstract-Despite an increasing arsenal of effective treatments, there are mounting challenges in developing strategies that prevent and control cardiovascular diseases, and that can be sustained and scaled to meet the needs of those most vulnerable to their impact. Community-based participatory research (CBPR) is an approach to conducting research by equitably partnering researchers and those directly affected by and knowledgeable of the local circumstances that impact health. To inform research design, implementation and dissemination, this approach challenges academic and community partners to invest in team building, share resources, and mutually exchange ideas and expertise. CBPR has led to a deeper understanding of the myriad factors influencing health and illness, a stream of ideas and innovations, and there are expanding opportunities for funding and academic advancement. To maximize the chance that CBPR will lead to tangible, lasting health benefits for communities, researchers will need to balance rigorous research with routine adoption of its conduct in ways that respectfully, productively and equally involve local partners. If successful, lessons learned should inform policy and inspire structural changes in healthcare systems and in communities.

Moving Parts and Balancing Acts: Building and Maintaining a Collaborative Community-Based Research Partnership in Detroit

“…When community members are included in the research process and recognize their own ability to contribute, their willingness to engage on a longer-term and more extensive basis is likely to increase. A research community is born, connecting the resources, knowledge, and experiences of involved partners (Horowitz et al, 2009;Nation et al, 2011;Cargo & Mercer, 2008).…”

“…Negative attitudes toward research are often harbored by employees and clients at various levels of potential partner organizations. As trust is imperative to successful collaboration, these issues must be addressed in the initial phases of collaboration as well as periodically throughout the research process (Nation et al, 2011;Gonzalez et al, 2012;Horowitz et al, 2009). Lack of time and strained levels of resources are a chief challenge of collaborative partnerships.…”

The Role of Community-Based Participatory Research to Inform Local Health Policy: A Case Study

“…7 CBPR begins by developing an equitable partnership between academic researchers and community members who have direct knowledge of local circumstances that impact health. 8,9 This partnership identifies a health problem affecting the community and addresses it through research and action. 10 By integrally involving community members throughout the research process, CBPR is often able to generate evidence that is both relevant and actionable.…”

Analyzing vulnerability and resilience of Turkey to climate change

“…Failure to build partnership in this approach could lead to mistrust between the community and the technical coalition of stakeholders, labeling of the intervention as their program and not our program. Even where the intervention is successful, there will be challenges with sustainability after the funding agencies withdraw their funds for any reason (Alexander et al, 2003;Health Reform Foundation of Nigeria, 2007;Horowitz et al, 2009).…”