Lessons from Two Latino Communities Working with Academic Partners to Increase Access to COVID-19 Testing.

OBJECTIVE: We sought to examine the experiences of community partners in a community-academic partnership to promote COVID-19 testing in two majority Latino communities. METHODS: We conducted semistructured, in-depth interviews in English and Spanish with community-based organization leaders and community health workers/promotoras (n = 10) from June to July 2021. Interviews focused on identifying partner roles in planning and testing implementation and evaluating communication among partners. Interviews were transcribed and analyzed in ATLAS.ti version 8.4.5. Analyses involved deductive and inductive approaches to identify key themes. RESULTS: Participants described both strengths and challenges to the collaborative approach within each of three core themes: building relationships in the time of COVID-19; uplifting existing community leadership; and commitment of the academic partners and community-based organizations to conduct partnership activities in Spanish. CONCLUSION: Community-academic partnerships that invest in strong relationships, community leadership, and a commitment to the community's preferred language offer a promising approach to addressing COVID-19 testing barriers. Findings provide direction for future research on how community members and academic partners can come together to inform strategies to continue addressing the COVID-19 pandemic.

Challenges and Lessons from Conducting a Community-Engaged Evaluation of a Community Advisory Board-A Case Study from Flint.

Community-engaged research often poses challenges due to exactly those qualities that make it desirable: it provides a new model of research that differs in many ways from top-down, university-led, prospectively designed approaches. While many have discussed the challenges to conducting community-engaged research, few have provided precise and generalizable lessons for how to surmount these challenges. Here we discuss the challenges experienced in a project that was community-engaged at three levels: 1) a research team consisting of an academic and a community partner as well as a community and academic research assistant, 2) the research team engaged with a Community Advisory Board called the CBOP-CERB (Community Based Organization Partners-Community Ethics Research Board) throughout the project, and 3) the research involved recruiting community participants from an area with a historical distrust of researchers and research: Flint Michigan. We also discuss administrative challenges that this multilevel community-engagement posed. Most important, we provide practical lessons in order for future community-engaged research to avoid or mitigate many of these challenges.

Evaluating the Impact and Effectiveness of Flint's Community Ethics Review Board (CBOP-CERB): A Pilot Study.

In recognition of the importance of evaluation for funding, research, and quality improvement, a longstanding Community Advisory Board in Flint Michigan embarked on a process to evaluate their impact. The Community-Based Organization Partners (CBOP)-Community Ethics Review Board (CERB) engaged a research team composed of an academic researcher (Solomon Cargill) and a community partner (Spencer) to obtain funding, design and implement an evaluation of the CBOP-CERB. This evaluation study yielded two evaluations of the CBOP-CERB, one with researchers who had engaged with the CBOP-CERB and the other with Flint area community residents. The results of these two evaluations can serve to show other Community Advisory Boards how to establish and expand their impact, establish their worth for future funding, and how to articulate, evaluate, and achieve their goals.

Infectious Disease Preparedness for Homeless Populations: Recommendations from a Community-Academic Partnership.

BACKGROUND: People experiencing homelessness are at increased risk of infectious disease transmission due to congregate living conditions, barriers to healthcare, and excess burden of underlying chronic disease. OBJECTIVES: We are a multisectoral community-academic partnership working to address the intersecting crises of homelessness and health disparities in Tippecanoe County, Indiana. We offer key recommendations for infectious disease preparedness and risk mitigation for homeless populations based on our ongoing community-based participatory research and lessons learned through COVID-19 response and Monkeypox preparations. LESSONS LEARNED: Infectious disease preparedness and response in homeless populations requires strong local partnerships; ongoing training and support for staff and volunteers of homeless shelters and service agencies; tailored outreach, education, and communication with people experiencing homelessness; and standardized processes for creating, disseminating, enforcing, and evaluating public health policies in homeless shelters. Consistency and open communication are key to a successful community-academic partnership. CONCLUSIONS: Community-academic partnerships are critical to effective infectious disease preparedness in homeless populations. The lessons learned from community-based participatory research with homeless communities and multisectoral partners on the frontline can improve future outbreak and pandemic response for people experiencing homelessness and other vulnerable communities in the United States.

Implementing a Community Engagement Model to Develop a Community-Driven Oral Health Intervention.

BACKGROUND: Using community-engaged research may result in interventions that reduce infant oral health disparities in underserved populations. OBJECTIVE: Develop community partnerships to create a sustainable infant oral health program that meets specific community-identified needs and provides an interprofessional education experience. METHODS: Partnering with the Homewood Community Engagement Center, researchers engaged and surveyed key community partners to assess the need for an infant oral health invention. LESSONS LEARNED: Community-identified organizing principles and barriers became the framework for, "Healthy Teeth, Healthy Me," a community-driven infant oral health program. Barriers, like access to care, were addressed with community-specific solutions like agreements with local dental clinical for referrals. CONCLUSIONS: Community partnerships can be leveraged to develop oral health programs that fit specific community needs and provide resources to families at greatest risk for child dental caries. Community engagement can be used to modify the intervention to meet oral health needs of other vulnerable communities.

A Model of Community Health Worker Integration into Schools: Community-based Participatory Research in Action.

BACKGROUND: Schools are rich sites for collaborations between health and educational sectors. OBJECTIVES: To identify lessons learned from formation of a community-academic partnership and application of community-based participatory research (CBPR) to develop a model that integrates community health workers into schools. METHODS: Individuals from an academic medical center, a large public school district, and a community-based research institute applied CBPR principles to reimagine schools as a place for improving the health of children. LESSONS LEARNED: Three lessons emerged. Leveraging each team member's expertise centered the partnership on community strengths, co-learning, and stakeholder engagement. Adherence to CBPR's principles of power sharing and equity helped navigate the challenges of collaboration between large institutions. Early focus on sustainability helped address unexpected issues, build capacity, and boost advocacy. CONCLUSIONS: This partnership demonstrates how CBPR fosters conditions in which equitable partnerships between research institutions and public schools can thrive to promote childhood health.

Community-Engaged Bidirectional Crisis and Emergency Risk Communication With Immigrant and Refugee Populations During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

OBJECTIVES: This study was conducted to assess an intervention that was created by a community-academic partnership to address COVID-19 health inequities. We evaluated a community-engaged bidirectional pandemic crisis and emergency risk communication (CERC) framework with immigrant and refugee populations during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: A 17-year community-engaged research partnership adopted a CERC framework in March 2020 to address COVID-19 prevention, testing, and socioeconomic impacts with immigrant and refugee groups in southeast Minnesota. The partnership used bidirectional communication between communication leaders and their social networks to refine messages, leverage resources, and advise policy makers. We conducted a mixed-methods evaluation for intervention acceptability, feasibility, reach, adaptation, and sustainability through multisource data, including email communications, work group notes, semistructured interviews, and focus groups. RESULTS: The intervention reached at least 39 000 people in 9 months. It was implemented as intended and perceived efficacy was high. Frequent communication between community and academic partners allowed the team to respond rapidly to concerns and facilitated connection of community members to resources. Framework implementation also led to systems and policy changes to meet the needs of immigrant and refugee populations. CONCLUSIONS: Community-engaged CERC is feasible and sustainable and can reduce COVID-19 disparities through shared creation and dissemination of public health messages, enhanced connection to existing resources, and incorporation of community perspectives in regional pandemic mitigation policies.

Use of Community-Based Participatory Research Partnerships to Reduce COVID-19 Disparities Among Marshallese Pacific Islander and Latino Communities - Benton and Washington Counties, Arkansas, April-December 2020.

Marshallese and Latino communities in Benton and Washington counties, Arkansas, were disproportionately affected by COVID-19. We evaluated the effectiveness of a comprehensive community-based intervention to reduce COVID-19 disparities in these communities. We examined all laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 cases in the 2 counties reported from April 6, 2020, through December 28, 2020. A 2-sample serial t test for rate change was used to evaluate changes in case rates before and after implementation of the intervention. After implementation, the proportions of cases among Marshallese and Latino residents declined substantially and began to align more closely with the proportions of these 2 populations in the 2 counties. Infection rates remained lower throughout the evaluation period, and weekly incidence also approximated Marshallese and Latino population proportions. Leveraging community partnerships and tailoring activities to specific communities can successfully reduce disparities in incidence among populations at high-risk for COVID-19 .

Can scientists and knowledge keepers sit comfortably together? An Indigenous physician's reflections on a decade of participatory research into First Nations nutrition, environment and health.

The author, an Indigenous physician, offers his reflections on the history of scientific research with Indigenous People and its past role in ethical breaches and excesses of colonialism, as a backdrop to the relatively recent advances in collaborative, community-based participatory research involving First Nations and Inuit in Canada. The First Nations Food, Nutrition and Environment Study (2008-2018), introduced in this Special Issue, is presented as an example of an ethical space that was sustained for a decade to collaboratively develop new knowledge by First Nations and scientists working together, respectfully and inspired by shared interest. A short overview of twelve articles of the Special Issue is provided and characterized as creating a previously inaccessible picture of the modern diets of First Nations, along with the suite of environmental factors that are present in food and water in and around communities. Ultimately, the author hopes that Canadian society can set the table with Indigenous Peoples and respectfully set opinions onto each other and do this over and over again. With Canada already being a multicultural and pluralistic society, adding Indigenous realities into the mix only respects and honours the Indigenous roots of this country.

RéSUMé: L'auteur, médecin autochtone, nous livre ses réflexions sur l'histoire de la recherche scientifique avec les peuples autochtones et le rôle que celle-ci a pu avoir dans les violations éthiques et les excès du colonialisme, comme toile de fond aux avancées relativement récentes de la recherche participative collaborative et communautaire avec les Premières Nations et les Inuits au Canada. L'Étude sur l'alimentation, la nutrition et l'environnement des Premières Nations (2008­2018) qui est présentée dans ce numéro spécial, est citée comme un exemple d'un espace éthique maintenu pendant une décennie pour développer de nouvelles connaissances, de manière collaborative, conjointement par les Premières Nations et les scientifiques qui, mus par un intérêt commun, travaillent ensemble dans le respect. L'auteur nous fournit un bref aperçu des douze articles du numéro spécial qui est considéré comme dressant un tableau, jusqu'alors inexistant, des régimes alimentaires modernes des Premières Nations, ainsi que de la suite des facteurs environnementaux présents dans les aliments et l'eau dans et autour des communautés. L'auteur espère que la société canadienne pourra s'asseoir à la table avec les peuples autochtones et faire se confronter, avec respect, les opinions des uns et des autres, et ce, à répétition. Le Canada étant déjà une société multiculturelle et pluraliste, l'ajout des réalités autochtones ne fait que respecter et honorer les racines autochtones de ce pays.

"I believe this team will change how society views youth in disasters": the EnRiCH Youth Research Team: a youth-led community-based disaster risk reduction program in Ottawa, Canada.

SETTING: The Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction promotes an "all-of-society" approach to disaster risk reduction (DRR). Since 2013, the EnRiCH Research Lab has implemented a community-based, participatory program to promote youth development and engagement in DRR in Ottawa-Gatineau. The EnRiCH Youth Research Team used an existing community education program called the Enrichment Mini-Course Program as a framework to engage youth in DRR. We aim to share the implementation process and lessons learned from this innovative "all-of-society" approach to DRR. INTERVENTION: The EnRiCH Youth Research Team provides high school and university students with a platform to be heard on disaster and climate change issues. Youth are given opportunities to design and lead knowledge dissemination projects intended to educate members of the community about disaster prevention and preparedness. Students have opportunities to connect with academics, governmental and non-governmental organizations, and public health practitioners to share their ideas on youth participation in DRR in Canada. OUTCOMES: To date, this public health intervention has produced DRR training modules that can be used as curriculum support by teachers, a children's book on earthquake preparedness, an educational video about youth participation in DRR, and several conference presentations. Members of the team have become well versed in disaster preparedness strategies. IMPLICATIONS: This program has demonstrated that youth can contribute to DRR through knowledge mobilization, and support public education about disaster preparedness. Offering this opportunity at a grassroots level can support participation by youth by allowing flexibility in design and adaptation to individual environmental and social contexts.

RéSUMé: CONTEXTE: Le Cadre d'action de Sendai pour la réduction des risques de catastrophe promeut une approche « de la société dans son ensemble ¼ en matière de réduction des risques de catastrophe (RRC). Depuis 2013, le laboratoire de recherche EnRiCH a mis en place un programme participatif communautaire visant à promouvoir la participation et épanouissement des jeunes à la RRC dans la région d'Ottawa-Gatineau. L'équipe de recherche Jeunesse EnRiCH a utilisé un programme d'éducation communautaire déjà existant, le programme de mini-cours d'enrichissement, comme cadre pour engager les jeunes dans la RRC et les sensibiliser à ce sujet. Notre objectif est de partager le processus de mise en œuvre et les leçons tirées de cette approche innovante « de la société dans son ensemble ¼ en RRC. INTERVENTION: L'équipe de recherche Jeunesse EnRiCH fournit aux étudiants du secondaire et universitaires une plateforme pour se faire entendre sur les sujets des catastrophes et des changements climatiques. Les jeunes ont la possibilité de concevoir et de diriger des projets de diffusion des connaissances destinés à éduquer les membres de la communauté en matière de prévention et de préparation aux catastrophes. Ils ont la possibilité de rencontrer des universitaires, des organismes gouvernementaux et non-gouvernementaux et des praticiens de la santé publique pour partager leurs idées sur la participation des jeunes à la RRC au Canada. RéSULTATS: À ce jour, cette intervention de santé publique a produit des modules de formation à la RCC pouvant être utilisés comme matériel éducatif par les enseignants, un livre pour enfants sur la préparation aux tremblements de terre, une vidéo éducative sur la participation des jeunes à la RRC, et plusieurs présentations de conférence. Les membres de l'équipe connaissent bien les stratégies de préparation aux catastrophes. IMPLICATIONS: Ce programme a démontré que les jeunes peuvent contribuer à la RRC par la mobilisation des connaissances et soutenir l'éducation du public en matière de préparation aux catastrophes. Offrir cette opportunité au niveau local peut encourager la participation des jeunes en permettant de la flexibilité dans la mise en oeuvre et une adaptation aux contextes environnementaux et sociaux individuels.

Participatory research for the development of information, education and communication tools to promote intermittent preventive treatment of malaria in pregnancy in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Nigeria and Mozambique.

BACKGROUND: To improve the coverage of intermittent preventive treatment of malaria in pregnancy (IPTp) in Africa, Medicines for Malaria Venture (MMV) developed, tested and validated a new packaging of sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP), as well as specific communications tools designed to improve knowledge of IPTp and the motivation of women to adhere to it, particularly if it is distributed by community health workers (CHW). METHODS: This article describes and analyses the results of an empirical research carried out in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Nigeria and Mozambique, to evaluate the perception and social acceptability of SP for healthcare providers, CHW and pregnant women, and to assess the ability of the new SP packaging and the communications tools to change their perception of SP and improve their attitudes towards IPTp. RESULTS: The results indicate that SP's new individual packaging was perceived by pregnant women and healthcare providers as a "hygienic" and "safe", with a specific identity. The graphics used in IPTp communications tools were modified according to the respondents' feedback to make them more culturally and socially sensitive, and then validated. However, although the new blister packaging and IPTp communications tools generated greater confidence and motivation, SP side effects as well as preconceived ideas, particularly regarding its efficacy, remain a challenge that must be addressed to improve IPTp acceptance and compliance by healthcare providers and pregnant women. CONCLUSION: This participatory approach to social research based on ongoing feedback to the graphic designer provided more empirical evidence to improve and adapt the textual and visual content of communication tools (SP blister packaging, leaflet, user guide) to local contexts and user preferences. Tested and validated in different socio-cultural and socio-political contexts, these tools provide a good basis for the promotion of IPTp in Africa.

Applying Community-Engaged Intervention Mapping to Preparing Nurse Scientists.

BACKGROUND: Preventing and managing chronic illness necessitates multilevel, theory-based interventions targeting behaviors, environmental factors, and personal determinants that increase risk for illness onset, greater burden, and poorer outcomes. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this article is to provide the basis for multilevel interventions, describe community-engaged intervention mapping as an approach to designing theory-based interventions, and discuss potential benefits of applying community-engaged intervention mapping in preparing nurse scientists to build programs of interdisciplinary research in preventing and managing chronic illness. METHODS: Community-engaged intervention mapping integrates two methodological approaches: intervention mapping and community-engaged research. RESULTS: The six-step intervention mapping approach provides a logical structure for preparing nurse scientists in designing, adapting, and implementing multilevel, theory-based interventions. Community-engaged research approaches offer principles and direction for engaging patients, clinicians, community members, and other stakeholders throughout the research process. Integrating these methods retains the theoretical integrity of interventions; improves the relevance and timely completion of the research and its products; and enhances intended beneficiaries and the community's understanding, trust, and use of the results. DISCUSSION: Potential benefits of preparation in community-engaged intervention mapping to nurse scientists and nursing science include explicit consideration of multilevel factors influencing health. Additional benefits include guidance for linking relevant constructs from behavior- and environment-oriented theories with evidence-based methods for affecting desired changes in care and quality of life outcomes. Moreover, enhancement of the theoretical fidelity of the intervention, explication of the mechanisms influencing change in the primary outcome, and improved relevance and feasibility of interventions for intended beneficiaries and potential adopters are other benefits.

Gout prevalence in the Hmong: a prime example of health disparity and the role of community-based genetic research.

Individuals of distinct Asian backgrounds are commonly aggregated as Asian, which could mask the differences in the etiology and prevalence of health conditions in the different Asian subgroups. The Hmong are a growing Asian subgroup in the United States with a higher prevalence of gout and gout-related comorbidities than non-Hmong. Genetic explorations in the Hmong suggest a higher prevalence of genetic polymorphisms associated with an increased risk of hyperuricemia and gout. History of immigration, acculturation, lifestyle factors, including dietary and social behavioral patterns, and the use of traditional medicines in the Hmong community may also increase the risk of developing gout and lead to poor gout management outcomes. Engaging minorities such as the Hmong population in biomedical research is a needed step to reduce the burden of health disparities within their respective communities, increase diversity in genomic studies, and accelerate the adoption of precision medicine to clinical practice.

People of different Asian heritage are commonly grouped as Asian, which could mask the differences in the causes and rates of specific health conditions in the different Asian subgroups. The Hmong are a growing Asian group in the United States with higher gout rates and gout-related conditions than non-Hmong. Genetic research in the Hmong suggests higher rates of genetic changes associated with higher urate levels and increased gout risk. The immigration to the United States and adaptation to the Western lifestyle could also affect the Hmong's risk for developing elevated urate levels and gout. Some lifestyle factors, including dietary and social behavioral patterns, and the use of traditional medicines in the Hmong, may also increase their risk of developing gout and lead to poor gout management. Engaging minorities such as the Hmong population in clinical research is a needed step to reduce the burden of health disparities within their respective communities, increase diversity in genetic studies, and widen the application of precision medicine to clinical practice.