scholarly journals The SMART Framework: Integration of Citizen Science, Community-Based Participatory Research, and Systems Science for Population Health Science in the Digital Age (Preprint)

Author(s):  
Tarun Reddy Katapally

UNSTRUCTURED Citizen science enables citizens to actively contribute to all aspects of the research process, from conceptualization and data collection, to knowledge translation and evaluation. Citizen science is gradually emerging as a pertinent approach in population health research. Given that citizen science has intrinsic links with community-based research, where participatory action drives the research agenda, these two approaches could be integrated to address complex population health issues. Community-based participatory research has a strong record of application across multiple disciplines and sectors to address health inequities. Citizen science can use the structure of community-based participatory research to take local approaches of problem solving to a global scale, because citizen science emerged through individual environmental activism that is not limited by geography. This synergy has significant implications for population health research if combined with systems science, which can offer theoretical and methodological strength to citizen science and community-based participatory research. Systems science applies a holistic perspective to understand the complex mechanisms underlying causal relationships within and between systems, as it goes beyond linear relationships by utilizing big data–driven advanced computational models. However, to truly integrate citizen science, community-based participatory research, and systems science, it is time to realize the power of ubiquitous digital tools, such as smartphones, for connecting us all and providing big data. Smartphones have the potential to not only create equity by providing a voice to disenfranchised citizens but smartphone-based apps also have the reach and power to source big data to inform policies. An imminent challenge in legitimizing citizen science is minimizing bias, which can be achieved by standardizing methods and enhancing data quality—a rigorous process that requires researchers to collaborate with citizen scientists utilizing the principles of community-based participatory research action. This study advances SMART, an evidence-based framework that integrates citizen science, community-based participatory research, and systems science through ubiquitous tools by addressing core challenges such as citizen engagement, data management, and internet inequity to legitimize this integration.

10.2196/14056 ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (8) ◽  
pp. e14056 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tarun Reddy Katapally

Citizen science enables citizens to actively contribute to all aspects of the research process, from conceptualization and data collection, to knowledge translation and evaluation. Citizen science is gradually emerging as a pertinent approach in population health research. Given that citizen science has intrinsic links with community-based research, where participatory action drives the research agenda, these two approaches could be integrated to address complex population health issues. Community-based participatory research has a strong record of application across multiple disciplines and sectors to address health inequities. Citizen science can use the structure of community-based participatory research to take local approaches of problem solving to a global scale, because citizen science emerged through individual environmental activism that is not limited by geography. This synergy has significant implications for population health research if combined with systems science, which can offer theoretical and methodological strength to citizen science and community-based participatory research. Systems science applies a holistic perspective to understand the complex mechanisms underlying causal relationships within and between systems, as it goes beyond linear relationships by utilizing big data–driven advanced computational models. However, to truly integrate citizen science, community-based participatory research, and systems science, it is time to realize the power of ubiquitous digital tools, such as smartphones, for connecting us all and providing big data. Smartphones have the potential to not only create equity by providing a voice to disenfranchised citizens but smartphone-based apps also have the reach and power to source big data to inform policies. An imminent challenge in legitimizing citizen science is minimizing bias, which can be achieved by standardizing methods and enhancing data quality—a rigorous process that requires researchers to collaborate with citizen scientists utilizing the principles of community-based participatory research action. This study advances SMART, an evidence-based framework that integrates citizen science, community-based participatory research, and systems science through ubiquitous tools by addressing core challenges such as citizen engagement, data management, and internet inequity to legitimize this integration.


2019 ◽  
Vol 29 (Supplement_4) ◽  
Author(s):  
H Unger

Abstract Community-based participatory research (CBPR) is a collaborative approach to research that aims to improve the health of marginalized communities and reduce health disparities. It starts with a topic of concern for the community and involves iterative cycles of action and reflection to initiate change. Community members are involved as partners and trained as peer researchers to take an active role in the research process. Processes of capacity building and empowerment play a prominent role. As a general principle, participatory research does not primarily focus on health problems, but pays at least equal attention to the resources and capacities of communities. It places a strong focus on developing trust and reciprocity in research relationships. Regarding methodology, various empirical research methods are used in CBPR study designs, including qualitative, quantitative, mixed-methods and arts-based methods. Arts-based methods such as photovoice, digital storytelling, mapping and drawings facilitate the expression of lived experience, including sensitive aspects, through creative verbal and non-verbal means. These methods expand the available means of expression and as such are highly valuable in research fields where verbal communication is challenged by language barriers and diverse cultural backgrounds as well as sensitive topics and experiences. Participatory health research has been conducted with diverse migrant and refugee groups internationally. Due to legal and other reasons, refugees may be limited in their capacities for participation. The presentation will discuss the strengths and limitations of CBPR including structural obstacles to equitable partnerships.


2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 505-506
Author(s):  
Jessie Ho-Yin Yau ◽  
Walker Siu Hong Au ◽  
Tianyin Liu ◽  
Anna Y Zhang ◽  
Gloria H Y Wong ◽  
...  

Abstract Community-based participatory research (CBPR), a bottom-up approach that community stakeholders and academics are involved equitably, is an effective approach for enhancing relevance and value in public health research and has gained popularity in recent decades. However, little is known about how CBPR can be used in mental health studies with older adults. This systematic review examined the current state of knowledge about how CBPR approach has been adopted in mental health research among older adults in different societies. According to the PRISMA guidelines, we searched five major databases and screened the literature using these criteria: 1) journal articles reporting use of CBPR in mental health research among older adults, 2) articles published in English language, 3) studies conducted in any settings with any mental health research. Initial search found 3,227 articles and preliminary screening identified 23 eligible articles. We found that around 90% of studies were conducted in the West. Most studies adopted CBPR to develop community-based mental health interventions or to revise current interventions or models while addressing the cultural needs of their studied population. Few studies adopted CBPR to evaluate existing mental health workshops or programmes. The extent of involvement of older adults in the CBPR approach varied across studies, from questionnaire design to programme evaluation. Our review uncovered ways of CBPR implementation across different societies and elements of successful implementation in CBPR practices in mental health research among older adults.


2018 ◽  
pp. 121-132
Author(s):  
Ruth A. Etzel

Healthy children are the foundation of sustainable development. Major research advances have resulted in significant advances in infant and child health, but health inequities among children in high-income, upper-middle–income, and low- and middle-income countries persist. For children in all countries of the world, research remains vitally important. Despite the importance of research, communities may be wary of participating in research for at least 5 reasons: they may remember a history of unethical and dangerous research activities; they may have different values than the researchers; they may have different ways of knowing than the researchers; they may have different views about the significance and appropriate uses of samples of their blood or other tissue specimens; and they may fear stigmatization from participation in research studies. The Academic Pediatric Association Global Health Task Force developed a consensus statement on faculty competencies, including those needed for research in global settings. Researchers from all involved countries should agree on the research goals of the involved institutions that align with their respective priorities. They should translate the research into action benefiting the host country. Prioritization should be place on those health research activities that address priority health concerns of the community, region, or nation they have the mandate to serve. Best practices for faculty and students are to follow the principles of community-based participatory research (see chapters 1–5). Concerted efforts of international organizations, ministries of health of governments, multinational donors, academic centers, nongovernmental organizations, and communities will be required to reach the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. The role of community-based participatory research will be integral to success.


2016 ◽  
Vol 106 (2) ◽  
pp. 215-222 ◽  
Author(s):  
Leah Frerichs ◽  
Kristen Hassmiller Lich ◽  
Gaurav Dave ◽  
Giselle Corbie-Smith

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