Abstract 1627: Using internet-platform technology to train community-based researchers in developing countries: Lessons learned from a Caribbean study

Abstract

Abstract Cancer is increasing as a health crisis in the Caribbean region. In the U.S. advocate engagement and Community Based Participatory Research (CBPR) have been used successfully to partner with community members in each stage of the research process thereby utilizing the knowledge and experience of those individuals for improved community responsive research and greater societal benefit. We utilized advocate engagement and CBPR towards building a cancer prevention program of research between U.S. and Caribbean researchers. In 2016-2017, a two-phased CBPR research study was initiated to address breast and cervical cancer screening in the four countries of the English-speaking Windward Islands of the Caribbean. The aims were to determine 1) community member’s perceptions of breast and cervical cancer screening and 2) gatekeepers’ perceptions of the quality and availability of breast and cervical cancer screening and treatment services. Mobile communication and internet-platform technologies were used to successfully train Caribbean community researchers on qualitative data collection and analysis methods. Our results showed that the incorporation of internet-based technology facilitated training, communication, social interactions, and alleviated transportation challenges. In particular, mobile platforms including GoToTraining, WhatsApp, Dedoose, Google Drive, and email were to used to deliver interactive training modules to community researchers and facilitate the collaborative development of recruitment materials, data collection instruments, data management, reports, manuscripts and results dissemination. Participatory research studies of this nature not only shed light on the cancer burden in developing nations but also builds community trust and capacity to engage in future international research. Citation Format: Kamilah B. Thomas-Purcell, Marva Primus Primus-Jospeh, Christine Richards, Lydia S. Atkins, Julie Blaze, Patsy Wylie, Ann Marie Burnie James, Kimlin Ashing. Using internet-platform technology to train community-based researchers in developing countries: Lessons learned from a Caribbean study [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2019; 2019 Mar 29-Apr 3; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 1627.