A community based participatory approach to improving health in a Hispanic population

Michael F Dulin,Heather A Smith,Hazel Tapp,Owen J Furuseth,Brisa Urquieta De Hernandez

doi:10.1186/1748-5908-6-38

Abstract

BackgroundThe Charlotte-Mecklenburg region has one of the fastest growing Hispanic communities in the country. This population has experienced disparities in health outcomes and diminished ability to access healthcare services. This city is home to an established practice-based research network (PBRN) that includes community representatives, health services researchers, and primary care providers. The aims of this project are: to use key principles of community-based participatory research (CBPR) within a practice-based research network (PBRN) to identify a single disease or condition that negatively affects the Charlotte Hispanic community; to develop a community-based intervention that positively impacts the chosen condition and improves overall community health; and to disseminate findings to all stakeholders.Methods/designThis project is designed as CBPR. The CBPR process creates new social networks and connections between participants that can potentially alter patterns of healthcare utilization and other health-related behaviors. The first step is the development of equitable partnerships between community representatives, providers, and researchers. This process is central to the CBPR process and will occur at three levels -- community members trained as researchers and outreach workers, a community advisory board (CAB), and a community forum. Qualitative data on health issues facing the community -- and possible solutions -- will be collected at all three levels through focus groups, key informant interviews and surveys. The CAB will meet monthly to guide the project and oversee data collection, data analysis, participant recruitment, implementation of the community forum, and intervention deployment. The selection of the health condition and framework for the intervention will occur at the level of a community-wide forum. Outcomes of the study will be measured using indicators developed by the participants as well as geospatial modeling.On completion, this study will: determine the feasibility of the CBPR process to design interventions; demonstrate the feasibility of geographic models to monitor CBPR-derived interventions; and further establish mechanisms for implementation of the CBPR framework within a PBRN.

Highlights

The Charlotte-Mecklenburg region has one of the fastest growing Hispanic communities in the country
Description of all interventions This project is designed as community-based participatory research (CBPR)
Effective utilization of the CBPR process in this project will produce a community-based intervention designed to impact a disease or condition identified by the community as a significant concern. (Figure 2)

Summary

Introduction

The Charlotte-Mecklenburg region has one of the fastest growing Hispanic communities in the country This population has experienced disparities in health outcomes and diminished ability to access healthcare services. This city is home to an established practice-based research network (PBRN) that includes community representatives, health services researchers, and primary care providers. The majority of US immigrants are Hispanic – the largest ethnic minority in National data are reflected in Charlotte, North Carolina which, with a 1,404% increase in Hispanic residents between 1990 and 2009 has one of the highest Hispanic growth rates in the nation (Figure 1) [1,6] accompanied by an estimated 65% to 70% Hispanic uninsured rate [4,7] Many barriers prevent this vulnerable and largely.

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