title: Community-based participatory research in a large cohort study of chronic diseases among Alaska native adults.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  In 2001, the National Cancer Institute (NCI) funded a project to develop methods to recruit American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) adults for a prospective cohort study of chronic disease risk and protective factors.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  We describe how the use of community-based participatory research (CBPR) principles led to more effective study design and implementation in a study in Alaska.
  
  
  METHODS
  CBPR elements included collaboration between researchers and tribes at all stages of the project, capacity building through training AI/AN staff in research methods, and knowledge dissemination through presentations, newsletters, and individual and community health feedback based on results of the study.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Between March 2004 and August 2006, 3,821 AI/ AN adults from 26 Alaskan communities enrolled in the study. Retention in the study is high, with over 88% of participants successfully completing a 2-year follow-up questionnaire.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  CBPR methods have facilitated effective development of study methods, recruitment and retention. Efforts are on-going to continue work with this unique AI/AN research participant community.
authors.affiliation: Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium Epidemiology Center, AK, USA.
authors.forename: Diana
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Redwood
authors.forename: Anne
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Lanier
authors.forename: Melissa
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Kemberling
authors.forename: Joseph
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Klejka
authors.forename: Ileen
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Sylvester
authors.forename: Kari
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Lundgren
mesh_terms: D000413:Alaska / Q000453:epidemiology; D057191:Capacity Building / Q000458:organization & administration; D002908:Chronic Disease / Q000208:ethnology*; D015331:Cohort Studies; D055812:Community-Based Participatory Research / Q000458:organization & administration*; D003299:Cooperative Behavior; D006801:Humans; D007198:Indians, North American; D033181:Information Dissemination; D004930:Inuit; D018579:Patient Selection; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012107:Research Design; D012307:Risk Factors