Theory and Practice in Participatory Research: Lessons from the Native Elder Care Study

Abstract

Models for community-based participatory research (CBPR) urge academic investigators to collaborate with communities to identify and pursue research questions, processes, and outcomes valuable to both partners. The tribal participatory research (TPR) conceptual model suggests modifications to CBPR to fit the special needs of American Indian communities. This paper draws upon authors' collaboration with one American Indian tribe to recommend theoretical revision and practical strategies for conducting gerontological research in tribal communities. We rated the TPR model as a strong, specialized adaptation of participatory research principles. Although the need for some TPR mechanisms may vary, our experience recommends incorporating dissemination as a central TPR mechanism. Researchers and communities can expect well-crafted collaborative projects to generate particular types of positive project outcomes for both partners, but should prepare for both predictable and unique challenges.

Listening to the Voices of Native Hawaiian Elders and ‘Ohana Caregivers: Discussions on Aging, Health, and Care Preferences

“…Knowledge about the health and care needs of native elders and their caregivers is slowly increasing but still in a nascent stage (Browne et al 2009; Korn et al 2009; Lewis 2011; Turner-Goins et al 2011a, b). This limited attention may be due to the small size of these populations, but their critical health profile and the nation’s commitment to issues of health equity demand more research on native elders.…”

Association of depressive symptomology and psychological trauma with diabetes control among older American Indian women: Does social support matter?

“…Inclusion criteria for the Native Elder Care Study included being an enrolled tribal member, aged ≥55 years, residing in the tribe’s service area, noninstitutionalized, and having passed a cognitive screen. More detail regarding the Native Elder Care Study and its methodology is described elsewhere (Goins, Garroutte, Leading Fox, Geiger, & Manson, 2011). …”

The Association of Resilience with Mental and Physical Health among Older American Indians: The Native Elder Care Study

“…Data for this research were collected as part of the Native Elder Care Study, a cross-sectional study of older members of a federally recognized AI tribe residing in the rural Southeast (Goins, Garroutte, Leading Fox, Geiger, & Manson, 2011). Data were collected from July 2006 to August 2008 using in-person interviewer-administered surveys to gather information on functional ability, mental and physical health, personal assistance needs, health care use, and psychosocial resources.…”