Sharing results from complex disease genetics studies: a community based participatory research approach.
OBJECTIVE
Dissemination of research results to communities builds capacity of the community to understand and utilize the results. The objective of this manuscript was to propose a culturally appropriate approach to disseminate complex disease genetics research findings in small Alaska Native communities.


METHODS
The Center for Alaska Native Health Research is a community-based participatory research project (CBPR) directed at understanding the interactions between genetic, nutritional and psychosocial risk factors for obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease in Yup'ik Eskimos.


METHODS
We have consulted with regional healthcare providers, tribal leaders, and university-, local-, and national-institutional review boards to identify potential mechanisms for sharing population-based genetics research results or progress.


RESULTS
We propose a six step CBPR-approach to conducting genetics research in isolated identifiable communities. This CPBR-approach includes generating a common research question, determining community interest, recruitment, capacity building, sharing power and control, avoiding group harm, and development of culturally appropriate dissemination procedures.


CONCLUSIONS
Research scientists and community members should both benefit from population-based genetics research. Although we are just beginning our discussions with regard to sharing genetics research progress and findings, we believe that it is essential move forward as co-researchers in the CBPR enterprise.
Boyer
Bert B
BB
Center for Alaska Native Health Research, Institute of Arctic Biology, University of Alaska, Fairbanks 99775, USA. bert.boyer@uaf.edu
Mohatt
Gerald V
GV
Pasker
Renee L
RL
Drew
Elaine M
EM
McGlone
Kathleen K
KK
D000413:Alaska; D018672:Community Health Planning / Q000379:methods; D019058:Community Networks; D003256:Community Participation; D003299:Cooperative Behavior; D003466:Cultural Characteristics; D005260:Female; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease / Q000208:ethnology*; D006801:Humans; D033181:Information Dissemination / Q000379:methods*; D004930:Inuit; D008297:Male; D012107:Research Design; D014481:United States; D016549:United States Indian Health Service