Community-based research as a tool for empowerment: the Haida Gwaii Diabetes Project example.
The evolution of the Haida Gwaii Diabetes Project exemplifies how community-based family practice research can be a tool for empowerment for both the community of research participants and the community based members of the research team. The aims of the project are to develop a better understanding of Haida beliefs about diabetes; to develop culturally sensitive approaches to prevention and management; and to attempt to apply this understanding to the development of a model for preventive health for native people in the province of British Columbia. A participatory research paradigm, coupled with explicit working principles by which the research team agreed to operate, addressed the concerns that the Aboriginal community had about the risks of research. A true working partnership has developed among all members of the research team, and with the Haida community.
Herbert
C P
CP
Department of Family Practice, University of British Columbia, Vancouver.
D001955:British Columbia; D003150:Community Health Workers / Q000458:organization & administration*; D003256:Community Participation; D003920:Diabetes Mellitus / Q000208:ethnology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D005180:Faculty, Medical / Q000458:organization & administration*; D005194:Family Practice / Q000458:organization & administration*; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007198:Indians, North American; D007373:Interinstitutional Relations; D011209:Power, Psychological; D012106:Research / Q000458:organization & administration