Trust between community members and researchers is essential to ensure successful intervention research with the communities. (Christopher, Watts, McCormick, & Young, 2008) Community-based participatory research (CBPR) approaches have helped build trust between the two parties (the community and the researchers), therefore contributing to true collaboration and partnership between them. CBPR approach has enabled the community member’s work positively with researchers to determine the health needs. Thus, they create health programs and policies that require to be implemented in the communities. Furthermore, the partners involved provide expertise and share decision making and even ownership. Consequently, trust in community-based participatory research contributes to positive outcomes.
Several tribal nations have had adverse experiences with researchers or government workers. This is mainly because the community and its members no longer have trust in the research process, and the individuals who conduct it. (Christopher, Watts, McCormick, & Young, 2008) Research has often been done on the American Indian communities, which have contributed to them being stereotyped and stigmatized. (Christopher, Watts, McCormick, & Young, 2008) In addition, other American Indian communities who are in the United States have faced broken treaties and oppressive federal policies. Positive outcomes in health disparities will be recorded when the American Indian Communities are made partners in the research concerning their health. Some tribes have requested that the research should be beneficial to the tribal communities and conducted collaboratively and respectfully. Community-based participatory research approaches are needed since they are essential in addressing the determinants related to public health problems. These determinants affect the general population and other factors related to racial and ethical disparities, especially in health. Therefore, race plays a vital role in influencing relationships and partnership in CBPR projects to address the complex set of determinants associated with public health problems.
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To strengthen the partnership and improve participation in CBPR projects, five strategies may be employed. They include acknowledging personal and institutional histories, being present in the community and listening to the community members, understanding the historical context of the research, acknowledging the expertise of all the partners and being upfront about expectations and intentions (Christopher, Watts, McCormick, & Young, 2008). Acknowledging personal and institutional histories is crucial in research. Researchers are affected by their values and backgrounds when conducting research in a community. Therefore, researchers are required to acknowledge these backgrounds and histories. Even though researchers cannot fully reveal all their stereotypes and assumptions, or understand how their personal history may affect their work, it is important that they entirely work on understanding themselves, their backgrounds, and histories. Being present in the community and listening to the community members is vital. Being present, building a relationship, and listening in the process of the research is important for a positive outcome.
Understanding the historical context of the research is necessary. The researchers need to understand the community better by being aware of the community history with the institution. Besides, the interaction between the community and the US government and also the history of the community they will be working with are relevant (Christopher, Watts, McCormick, & Young, 2008). Acknowledging the expertise of all the partners is essential. The university partners should understand both the community and university partners are experts. Having the community participate will enhance the research. Finally, being upfront about expectations and intentions is also essential. The community partners need the university partners who honestly state their intentions and expectations. Being honest will strengthen the partnership and improve participation in CBPR projects.
In conclusion, trust is important in strengthening the partnership between the community members and the researchers and improving participation in CBPR projects. Successful CBPR projects will ensure adequate research to address health disparities. Also, a successful CBPR project will encourage the community to become more involved in the research hence improving health in the community.
References
Christopher, S., Watts, V., McCormick, A. K., & Young, S. (2008). Building and Maintaining Trust in a Community-Based Participatory Research Partnership. American Journal of Public Health, 98 (8), 1398-1406. doi:10.2105/ajph.2007.125757
