scholarly journals Engaging MSM Communities in HIV Self-Testing Research and Programming in Kenya: Collaborations, Tacit Knowledge, and a Community-Based Programme Science Approach

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bernadette Kina Kombo ◽  
Matthew Thomann ◽  
Lisa Lazarus ◽  
Helgar Musyoki ◽  
Kennedy Olango ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Tacit Knowledge ◽  
Research Process ◽  
Global Health Research ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Design Data ◽  
Marginalized Communities ◽  
Self Testing ◽  
Science Approach ◽  
Interdisciplinary Research Project ◽  
Program Science

Abstract Background: Understanding the basic principles for achieving research outcomes that are relevant to local communities is invaluable. The process allows for building of collaborative spaces and redistribution of power in knowledge production practices. This is because members of marginalized and vulnerable communities have long been critical of a research culture that has historically failed to advance meaningful collaboration and overlooks local forms of knowledge at various phases of the research processes. There has however not been a clear framework that outlines how communities should be meaningfully engaged. Rather, substantial variations in the nature of community engagements exist across research projects, thus requiring a more nuanced approach of working with communities. Methods: In this methodological paper, we describe how a community-based program science approach guided an interdisciplinary research project to inform the rollout of HIV self-testing (HIVST) among men who have sex with men (MSM) in three urban counties in Kenya. Community members and their research and programmatic partners collaborated through all phases of the research process including research design, data collection, and translation of research. Importantly, community researchers and policy makers also played an integral role in data analysis, going well beyond the conventional role of “community engagement” in global health research. Results: The study created a platform that enabled meaningful collaborations across the diverse stakeholders and allowed the MSM communities to contribute to the decisions and solutions impacting on their community. Our community-based program science approach recognizes that community researchers possess tacit knowledge, a form of expertise that formally trained researchers do not have. Conclusion: We argue that in order to fully engage with such expertise, marginalized communities must be meaningfully involved in all levels of evidence building and decision making around programs impacting their communities. We equally emphasize the importance of setting up operating norms and clear definitions of partnership roles at the initial stages of establishing collaborations. Such a move gives the community a chance to trust their capabilities and contribute more meaningfully throughout the research processes.

scholarly journals Engaging MSM Communities in HIV Self-Testing Research and Programming in Kenya: Collaborations, Tacit Knowledge, and a Community-Based Programme Science Approach

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bernadette Kina Kombo ◽  
Matthew Thomann ◽  
Lisa Lazarus ◽  
Helgar Musyoki ◽  
Kennedy Olango ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Tacit Knowledge ◽  
Research Process ◽  
Global Health Research ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Design Data ◽  
Marginalized Communities ◽  
Self Testing ◽  
Science Approach ◽  
Interdisciplinary Research Project ◽  
Program Science

Abstract Background: Understanding the basic principles for achieving research outcomes that are relevant to local communities is invaluable. The process allows for building of collaborative spaces and redistribution of power in knowledge production practices. This is because members of marginalized and vulnerable communities have long been critical of a research culture that has historically failed to advance meaningful collaboration and overlooks local forms of knowledge at various phases of the research processes. There has however not been a clear framework that outlines how communities should be meaningfully engaged. Rather, substantial variations in the nature of community engagements exist across research projects, thus requiring a more nuanced approach of working with communities. Methods: In this methodological paper, we describe how a community-based program science approach guided an interdisciplinary research project to inform the rollout of HIV self-testing (HIVST) among men who have sex with men (MSM) in three urban counties in Kenya. Community members and their research and programmatic partners collaborated through all phases of the research process including research design, data collection, and translation of research. Importantly, community researchers and policy makers also played an integral role in data analysis, going well beyond the conventional role of “community engagement” in global health research. Results: The study created a platform that enabled meaningful collaborations across the diverse stakeholders and allowed the MSM communities to contribute to the decisions and solutions impacting on their community. Our community-based program science approach recognizes that community researchers possess tacit knowledge, a form of expertise that formally trained researchers do not have. Conclusion: We argue that in order to fully engage with such expertise, marginalized communities must be meaningfully involved in all levels of evidence building and decision making around programs impacting their communities. We equally emphasize the importance of setting up operating norms and clear definitions of partnership roles at the initial stages of establishing collaborations. Such a move gives the community a chance to trust their capabilities and contribute more meaningfully throughout the research processes.

scholarly journals Enacting Feminist Methodologies in Research Toward Reproductive Justice

2021 ◽  
Vol 20 ◽  
pp. 160940692110161
Author(s):  
Krista Johnston ◽  
Christiana MacDougall
Keyword(s):  
Research Question ◽  
Research Process ◽  
Feminist Research ◽  
Clear Understanding ◽  
Reproductive Justice ◽  
Design Data ◽  
Related Services ◽  
Ongoing Research ◽  
And Gender ◽  
Political Praxis

Reporting on the development of an ongoing qualitative research project with clients of midwifery care in New Brunswick, Canada, this article details the ways that methodology is complexly interwoven with political praxis. Working through the development of this project, this article models one way to enact politically engaged feminist research at each stage of the research process, from developing the research question, through research design, data collection, analysis, and theory generation. In the process, three core principles of feminist research methodologies are extended: co-construction of knowledge, researcher reflexivity, and reciprocal relationships in research. This research is caught up in and responds to a fraught political context where supports for reproductive healthcare are limited, and midwifery, abortion, and gender-affirming care are all framed as “fringe” services that exceed the austerity budget of the province. Participants engaged in this study with a clear understanding of this political terrain and approached interviews as an opportunity to share their experiences, and to advocate for the continuation and expansion of midwifery and related services in the province. Through the research process, it has become evident that midwifery must be understood as part of the struggle toward reproductive justice in this province. These reflections will direct further stages of the project, including ongoing research and dissemination.

scholarly journals Preventing cardiovascular disease: Participant perspectives of the FAITH! Program

2017 ◽  
Vol 24 (12) ◽  
pp. 1710-1723 ◽  
Author(s):  
LaPrincess C Brewer ◽  
Eleshia J Morrison ◽  
Joyce E Balls-Berry ◽  
Patrick Dean ◽  
Kandace Lackore ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cardiovascular Disease ◽  
African Americans ◽  
Participatory Research ◽  
Disease Risk ◽  
Cardiovascular Disease Risk ◽  
Community Based Participatory Research ◽  
Research Process ◽  
Community Based Interventions ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Behavior Change Interventions

Striking cardiovascular health disparities exist among African-Americans in Minnesota compared to Whites; however, community-based interventions to address cardiovascular disease risk are lacking. This study explored participant perceptions of a culturally tailored, cardiovascular disease prevention program developed using a community-based participatory research process. Research participation perceptions, program benefits, and program satisfaction/acceptability were analyzed using a mixed-methods approach. Overall, acceptability was high. Findings highlight the favorable inclusion of African-Americans (research perception), knowledge gained about healthy lifestyle practices (benefits), and quality of the curriculum/speakers (satisfaction). Community-based participatory research may be useful in fostering the acceptability of behavior change interventions among marginalized African-American communities.

scholarly journals Indigenous Geographies: Research as Reconciliation

2017 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Cindy Smithers Graeme ◽  
Erik Mandawe
Keyword(s):  
First Nations ◽  
Narrative Analysis ◽  
Research Process ◽  
Policy Recommendations ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Working Together ◽  
Meaningful Relationships ◽  
Indigenous Geographies ◽  
Cultural Regeneration ◽  
Support Research

Employing a reflexive and co-constructed narrative analysis, this article explores our experiences as a non-Indigenous doctoral student and a First Nations research assistant working together within the context of a community-based participatory Indigenous geography research project. Our findings revealed that within the research process there were experiences of conflict, and opportunities to reflect upon our identity and create meaningful relationships. While these experiences contributed to an improved research process, at a broader level, we suggest that they also represented our personal stories of reconciliation. In this article, we share these stories, specifically as they relate to reconciliatory processes of re-education and cultural regeneration. We conclude by proposing several policy recommendations to support research as a pathway to reconciliation in Canada.

An Economic Evaluation of a Community-Based Organization Led HIV Self-Testing Program Among Men Who Have Sex With Men in China

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shanzi Huang ◽  
Jason Ong ◽  
Wencan Dai ◽  
Xi He ◽  
Yi Zhou ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cost Effectiveness ◽  
Hiv Testing ◽  
Variable Cost ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Self Testing ◽  
Hiv Test ◽  
Community Based Organization ◽  
The Mean ◽  
The Cost ◽  
Mean Cost

Abstract Introduction: HIV self-testing (HIVST) is effective in improving the uptake of HIV testing among key populations. Complementary data on the cost-effectiveness of HIVST is critical for planning and scaling up HIVST. This study aimed to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of a community-based organization (CBO)-led HIVST model implemented in China. Method: A cost-effectiveness analysis (CEA) was conducted by comparing a CBO-led HIVST model with a CBO-led facility-based HIV rapid diagnostics testing (HIV-RDT) model. The full economic cost, including fixed and variable cost, from a health provider perspective using a micro costing approach was estimated. We determined the cost-effectiveness of these two HIV testing models over a two year time horizon (i.e. duration of the programs), and reported costs using US dollars (2020). Results: From January 2017 to December 2018, a total of 4,633 men tested in the HIVST model, and 1,780 men tested in the HIV-RDT model. The total number of new diagnosis was 155 for HIVST and 126 for the HIV-RDT model; the HIV test positivity was 3.3% (95% confidence interval (CI): 2.8-3.9) for the HIVST model and 7.1% (95% CI: 5.9-8.4) for the HIV-RDT model. The mean cost per person tested was $14.57 for HIVST and $24.74 for HIV-RDT. However, the mean cost per diagnosed was higher for HIVST ($435.52) compared with $349.44 for HIV-RDT.Conclusion: Our study confirms that compared to facility-based HIV-RDT, a community-based organization led HIVST program could have a cheaper mean cost per MSM tested for HIV in China. Better targeting of high-risk individuals would further improve the cost-effectiveness of HIVST.

The Milwaukee Continuum: Older Veterans and Nonveterans Use Housing First to Exit Homelessness

2019 ◽  
pp. 002216781986652
Author(s):  
David A. Nelson ◽  
Jeff Morzinski ◽  
Mark Flower
Keyword(s):  
Healing Process ◽  
Community Based Participatory Research ◽  
Research Process ◽  
Public Health Issue ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Deep Time ◽  
Homeless Veterans ◽  
Process Understanding ◽  
Formerly Homeless

Background: Homelessness is about survival and more than an issue of bricks and mortar. It is not a static dimension and alludes to a troubled age and brokenness of society. Despite dramatic declines in numbers of people presently homeless, the issue continues to be a public health issue. The number of veterans currently homeless continues to be of national concern despite application of resources. More needs to be done to better understand the concerns of veterans, once homeless and now housed. Method: Qualitative research in the form of interviews provided insights from the veterans on their experience around achieving housing. Qualitative methods are often used in evaluations as they speak of the experience of the program being evaluated by capturing and then communicating the narratives of the participants. This study was grounded in community-based participatory research where a member of community was a part of all phases of the research process. Results: Seven interviews with formerly homeless veterans were conducted. Themes included the following: Burnt Brides and Regrets, Survival, Spirituality, Recovery and Stress, Supportive Care, Reunite Family, and Sickness and Health. Discussion: The themes provide insight into the experience of the veterans and a means to better understand the healing process. Understanding of the healing process includes the following: Acknowledging the Courage to go Deep, Time, Veterans Giving Back, and Recovery is Ongoing. Despite what was learned, further research is needed to better understand the long-term implications of people formerly homeless now housed.

scholarly journals Developing and piloting a community scientist academy to engage communities and patients in research

2018 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 73-78 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Kathryn Stewart ◽  
Nicola Spencer ◽  
Anna H. Davis ◽  
Camille Hart ◽  
Beatrice Boateng
Keyword(s):  
Research Evaluation ◽  
Research Process ◽  
Community Advisory Board ◽  
Further Training ◽  
Community Members ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Evaluation Data ◽  
Community Interest ◽  
Study Implementation ◽  
Interactive Exercises

IntroductionEffective translational research requires engagement and collaboration between communities, researchers, and practitioners. We describe a community scientist academy (CSA) developed at the suggestion of our Clinical and Translational Science Awards’ (CTSA) community advisory board to engage and capacitate community members by (1) increasing community members’ and patients’ understanding about the research process and (2) increasing their access to opportunities to influence and participate in research. A joint CTSA/community planning committee developed this 8-hour workshop including sessions on: (1) research definitions and processes; (2) study design; (3) study implementation; and (4) ways to get involved in research. The workshop format includes interactive exercises, content slides and videos, and researcher and community presenters.MethodsCommunity-based information sessions allowed assessment of community interest before piloting. Two pilots of the CSA were conducted with community members and patients. Participant data and a pre/post knowledge and feedback survey provide evaluation data.ResultsThe pilot included 24 diverse participants, over half of whom had not previously participated in research. Evaluation data suggest knowledge gains. Post-CSA, one-third have reviewed CTSA pilot grants and over 80% want to attend further training.ConclusionsThe CSA can demystify the research process for those underrepresented in research and facilitate their engagement and influence within CTSAs.

Postgraduate Environmental Education Research: Meeting the Needs of the Community

1997 ◽  
Vol 13 ◽  
pp. 49-54 ◽  
Author(s):  
John Harris ◽  
Ian Robottom
Keyword(s):  
Education Research ◽  
Environmental Education ◽  
Learning Experience ◽  
Research Process ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Postgraduate Students ◽  
Powerful Learning ◽  
Postgraduate Studies ◽  
Research Meeting ◽  
The University

AbstractThis article reports on experiences gained in two postgraduate programs in environmental education—one at the University of Canberra and one at Deakin University. The paper draws from the work of several postgraduate students who are exploring environmental issues in their communities as part of their postgraduate studies. The paper addresses some issues associated with community-based environmental education, including:• research as participation in the critical appraisal of environmental situations• the need for the research to be responsive to the needs and interests of the community• the role of the researcher as change agent.The article concludes that community-based environmental education research is a powerful learning experience for postgraduate students who are at the forefront of the research process and communicating directly with the community.

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