Key considerations for designing capacity-building interventions to support evidence-based programming in underserved communities: a qualitative exploration

Abstract

Increasing the use of evidence-based programs (EBPs) in community settings is critical for improving health and reducing disparities. Community-based organizations (CBOs) and faith-based organizations (FBOs) have tremendous reach and trust within underserved communities, but their impact is constrained by limited staff capacity to use EBPs. This exploratory study sought to identify design and delivery considerations that could increase the impact of capacity-building interventions for CBOs and FBOs working with underserved communities. Data come from a community-based participatory research project addressing cancer disparities in Black, Latino, and Brazilian communities from Greater Boston and Greater Lawrence, Massachusetts. We conducted four focus group discussions with program coordinators in CBOs and FBOs (n = 27) and key informant interviews with CBO and FBO leaders (n = 15). Three researchers analyzed the data using a multi-stage coding process that included both prefigured and emergent codes. Key design considerations included embedding customized capacity-building interventions into community networks with local experts, supporting ongoing engagement with the intervention via a range of resources and communication channels, and addressing resource constraints. Regarding the contextual factors that should influence capacity-building intervention content, participants highlighted resource constraints, environments in which EBP use is not the norm, and challenges linking available programs with the multi-level barriers to good health faced by community members. Overall, the study highlights the need for integrated, long-term capacity-building efforts developed in partnership with, and ultimately sustained by, local organizations.

Community Stakeholders’ Perspectives on Introducing Human Papillomavirus Vaccination and Biobanking Evidence-Based Programs Within Medically Underserved Communities: A Community-Engaged Approach

“…Data for this study came from a larger study with the purpose of building capacity to promote EBP usage in CBOs and FBOs. 12 A Community Based Participatory Research approach 13 guided this study’s partnerships with the U54 Community Advisory Board (CAB). The CAB included five members with expertise in social justice and community health and represent the City of Lawrence Mayor’s Health Task Force, the City of Lawrence Community Development Office, Greater Love Tabernacle, Health Resources in Action, and the Brazilian Worker Center.…”

Pragmatic approaches to analyzing qualitative data for implementation science: an introduction

“…To illustrate the ideas presented above, we offer a recent example of work conducted by two authors (AR and SR) and colleagues [ 56 ]. The broad motivation for the study was to increase the use of EBIs in community-based organizations (CBOs) and faith-based organizations (FBOs) working with underserved communities.…”

Community-Based Organizations as Effective Partners in the Battle Against Misinformation

“…CBOs can be exceptionally effective in health communication and health promotion planning because they are rich with social capital ( 22 – 24 ). Having social capital uniquely positions CBOs to identify the social networks and normative behavior within a community, particularly during a public health emergency ( 25 , 26 ).…”

“…In this rapidly changing digital landscape, communities need to be reached in whatever medium is already most accessible to them, whether that be text messaging, email, or social media platforms. CBOs have a distinct advantage, as they are equipped with local knowledge, expertise, and trusted relationships to determine the best means of communication with their constituents leading to more efficacious health communication strategies ( 22 , 29 , 30 ). As such, the partnership should include community leaders that are seen as trusted messengers.…”

“…We argue that including CBOs early in the health communication pathway is critically needed to combat this infodemic and reorient communities to their already trusted sources of health information. CBOs have tremendous reach within the communities that they serve, providing social networking, encouraging health promoting behaviors, and implementing health interventions through multiple modalities of community engagement ( 22 ). Additionally, because true community engagement and not simply community outreach is needed to gain the trust of marginalized populations, CBOs have a distinct advantage as they are already embedded within the fabric of the community.…”