Building partnerships between indigenous communities and universities: lessons learned in HIV/AIDS and substance abuse prevention research.
Many HIV/AIDS and substance abuse prevention studies in American Indian and Alaska Native communities have been directed by academic researchers with little community input. We examined the challenges in conducting HIV/AIDS-related research in American Indian and Alaska Native communities and the benefits of changing the research paradigm to a community-based participatory model. The lessons we learned illustrate that the research process should be a cyclical one with continual involvement by community members. Steps in the process include (1) building and sustaining collaborative relationships, (2) planning the program together, (3) implementing and evaluating the program in culturally acceptable ways, and (4) disseminating research findings from a tribal perspective. These steps can enhance the long-term capacity of the community to conduct HIV/AIDS and substance abuse prevention research.
Baldwin
Julie A
JA
Department of Community and Family Health, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, 13 201 Bruce B. Downs, Blvd., MDC 56, Tampa, FL 33 612, USA. jbaldwin@health.usf.edu
Johnson
Jeannette L
JL
Benally
Christine C
CC
D003153:Community Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D003299:Cooperative Behavior; D040381:Education, Public Health Professional; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006302:Health Services Research / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D044382:Population Groups / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012108:Research Personnel / Q000193:education* / Q000600:supply & distribution; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology; D014495:Universities / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*