Community-Based Participatory Research is an empowering paradigm in the way research is conducted. In this paradigm community members are an integral part of all the research phases from the conception and dissemination to the longevity of projects. As a Community Health Scholar I am immersed in CBPR projects that involve underserved populations such as African American and Latinos living in Detroit, Michigan for the purpose of reducing ethnic health disparities. This requires the participation of the communities affected. The projects I am part of are affiliated with a partnership composed of individuals from the academia, health department, and community health organizations represented by individuals from communities where the projects are being conducted. The projects also have steering committees (academic, community and health service partners) that participate in developing interview protocols, identifying group facilitators and participants, interpreting results, disseminating findings in the community, and designing interventions. Discrimination, racism, organizational structure, culture, community's low-educational levels are issues, which if not addressed may have a number of adverse results. These might include projects coming to a standstill, dissolution of partners, limiting the longevity of the projects, lack of communication between partners involved, increasing community underlying mistrust, and limiting community empowerment and development. Suggestions on how these issues can be addressed will be discussed in this presentation.
Learning Objectives: At the end of the session attendants will be able to: 1. identify possible alternatives to deal with challenges faced in Community-Based Participatory Research when working with underserved communities. 2. Recognize the importance of community development in Community-Based Participatory Research.
Keywords: Community Involvement, Minorities
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.