Identifying the Community-Engaged Translational Research Collaboration Experience and Health Interests of Community-Based Organizations Outside of Metropolitan Atlanta

Abstract

Rural health research has increased over the last two decades, but there are still unknowns regarding health priorities from the perspective of rural community-based representatives. The Georgia Clinical and Translational Science Alliance (CTSA), a collaboration between four research institutions, statewide, includes a Community Engagement (CE) Program facilitating community-academic research partnerships. This study aimed to assess the health priorities, research experience, and interests from community respondents outside of Metropolitan Atlanta through the Community Engagement Facilitation Survey (CEFS). CE Program members disseminated the 11-item survey statewide at community events and professional organization meetings. Descriptive statistics were analyzed, and GIS mapping was conducted. Four-hundred six (406) surveys were analyzed, representing 83.6% of rural Georgia counties. Most frequently identified health priorities and research interests were diabetes, cancer, high blood pressure, and mental health. Results will be used to support those within rural Georgia organizations seeking to forge community-academic partnerships to address health priorities.