Facilitators of community participation in an Aboriginal sexual health promotion initiative

Abstract

ABSTRACT:Introduction: Community participation is a collaborative process aimed at achieving community-identified outcomes.

Appraising community driven health research with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities: a scoping review using the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Quality Appraisal Tool

“…Most of the articles where community need was seen as a priority identified that the research resulted in mutual learning from the researchers, the community and the population group, which in turn was seen as a positive effect in making sustainable changes in either policy or practice. Sherwood and Kendall, 2013 ; Chambers et al , 2018 ; Peake et al , 2020 .…”

“…The research included in this review had a strong correlation with this criterion—28 articles provided evidence of research benefits to the community. Where research benefit was identified by the researchers for Indigenous communities, there was also evidence of the development of meaningful and ongoing partnerships ( Sherwood and Kendall, 2013 ; Chambers et al , 2018 ).…”

“…Several papers that were scored as including an element of control, described processes that involved Aboriginal ‘guidance’ of the research process, via various forms of advisory or reference groups ( Weetra et al , 2019 ; Hedges et al , 2020 ), or community forums ( Chambers et al , 2018 ). Clarifying the difference between ‘control’ and guidance is needed, as the former implies that there are mechanisms in place that enable Aboriginal organizations and communities to steer decision-making processes (including data collection and analysis), while the latter is less concrete and may or may not involve the incorporation of Aboriginal guidance or advice into decision-making processes (e.g.…”

“…Among the reviewed papers that did draw on an Aboriginal research paradigm, the inclusion of Aboriginal researchers and Elders in all or most phases of the research (including data analysis) was key. Approaches involved embedding community ways of knowing over research data ( Couzos et al , 2015 ), including Aboriginal interpretation and co-authorship of data ( Hedges et al , 2020 ) and the use of Aboriginal methodologies such as yarning ( Chambers et al , 2018 ; Peake et al , 2020 ); respecting and centring the role of Aboriginal researchers including the obligation to maintain relationships beyond the study period ( Weetra et al , 2019 ); placing Aboriginal Elders at the centre of the research process ensuring alignment with culturally centred values and beliefs ( Scrine et al , 2020 ); and supporting linguistic sovereignty through the use of Aboriginal languages in preferred settings ( Weetra et al , 2019 ). Aboriginal research paradigms prioritize respect, cultural safety and the establishment of trusting working relationships, all of which take time.…”

Community-Based Sexual and Reproductive Health Promotion and Services for First Nations People in Urban Australia

“…The Deadly Choices program, now widely used across Australian ACCHOs and includes some SRE in their school-based program, provides a structure that would support further inclusion of SRH champions in these services. 22 Previous studies suggest strong engagement in SRH promotion programs happens when they are designed by and for the community themselves, 39,40 when the workforce includes peers such as family, Elders and community members in delivering support 1,39,41 and uses innovative and creative strategies to engage young people in SRE; 42 however the effectiveness of peer-led education among young First Nations people is currently unknown and further research is needed. 43 How to Support Knowledge Spaces…”