Work

A Network Assessment of Community-Based Participatory Research: Linking Communities and Universities to Reduce Cancer Disparities

Year: 2010

Type: article

Abstract: OBJECTIVES: We sought to determine whether a community-based initiative designed to reduce cancer disparities among Pacific Islanders in Southern California increased communications between community-based organizations and university researchers. METHODS: We conducted network analysis among 11 community-based organizations (CBOs) and 5 universities by interviewing 91 and 56 members of these organizations, respectively, at 2 points in time. We estimated random effects probit regression and stochastic actor-oriented network dynamic models. RESULTS: We found that, during the 2-year study period, CBOs increased their connectedness with one another (b= 0.44; P < .05) and to the universities (b = 0.46; P < .05), but that university researchers did not increase their connectedness to each other or to CBOs. CONCLUSIONS: Cancer awareness, cancer education, and access to cancer services are low among Pacific Island groups, and this study provides an initial attempt to reduce these disparities. Community-based initiatives can strengthen a CBO network, creating the potential for increased community-informed cancer research and improved community access to cancer research resources.

Source: American Journal of Public Health

DOI: 10.2105/ajph.2009.171116

Authors: Thomas W. Valente, Kayo Fujimoto, Paula Palmer, Sora Park Tanjasiri

Institution: University of Southern California

Language: English

Topic: Community Health and Development

Subfield: General Health Professions

Field: Health Professions

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Reduced inequalities

Open Access status: green

Funders: California State University, Fullerton, National Cancer Institute