Community Engagement Practices at Research Centers in U.S. Minority Institutions: Priority Populations and Innovative Approaches to Advancing Health Disparities Research.

Tabia Henry Akintobi ,Shafiq A Khan ,Carla Williams ,Kimberly Sellars-Bates ,Adriana Campa ,Leslie K Taylor ,Cimona V Hinton ,Julio Jiménez-Chávez ,Payam Sheikhattari ,K Sean Kimbro ,Rhonda Conerly Holliday ,Stephan Züchner ,Sandra Suther ,Carmen M Vélez Vega ,Emma Shaffer ,Melissa Marzan Rodriguez ,Bibiana M Mancera ,Christina Evans ,Nicolette I Teufel-Shone ,Daniel F Sarpong ,George Perry ,Veronica B Ajewole ,Juliet Mcmullin ,Stephania T Miller ,Kathryn L Braun ,Angela Sy ,Paul B Tchounwou

doi:10.3390/ijerph18126675

Abstract

This paper details U.S. Research Centers in Minority Institutions (RCMI) Community Engagement Cores (CECs): (1) unique and cross-cutting components, focus areas, specific aims, and target populations; and (2) approaches utilized to build or sustain trust towards community participation in research. A mixed-method data collection approach was employed for this cross-sectional study of current or previously funded RCMIs. A total of 18 of the 25 institutions spanning 13 U.S. states and territories participated. CEC specific aims were to support community engaged research (94%); to translate and disseminate research findings (88%); to develop partnerships (82%); and to build capacity around community research (71%). Four open-ended questions, qualitative analysis, and comparison of the categories led to the emergence of two supporting themes: (1) establishing trust between the community-academic collaborators and within the community and (2) building collaborative relationships. An overarching theme, building community together through trust and meaningful collaborations, emerged from the supporting themes and subthemes. The RCMI institutions and their CECs serve as models to circumvent the historical and current challenges to research in communities disproportionately affected by health disparities. Lessons learned from these cores may help other institutions who want to build community trust in and capacities for research that addresses community-related health concerns.

Highlights

In October 2020, a 17-item questionnaire was disseminated via email to former and currently funded Research Centers in Minority Institutions (RCMI) Community Engagement Cores (CECs) representatives utilizing Google
Open-ended answers regarding: (1) years of funding for the RCMI and CEC; (2) status of any CEC advisory committee; (3) specific aims of their CEC; (4) services provided by their CEC; and (5) engagement strategies of their CEC
To overcome mistrust and ensure trust in your community engagement efforts? (2) What do you think are unique best practices in working with your communities? (3) Why have those best practices worked with your community? and (4) What is an example of a success story? Data from the follow-up survey were analyzed using content analysis to identify supporting themes and their interrelationships

Summary

Introduction

The mission of the Research Centers in Minority Institutions (RCMI) program, established by Congress in 1985, is to strengthen research training, conduct, and infrastructure in minority serving colleges and universities and to develop independent investigators from underrepresented populations. (3) develop new and early career investigators; (4) enhance the quality of research on minority health and health disparities; and (5) establish and sustain relationships with community-based partners.

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Results

Discussion

Conclusion