Como potenciar a produção e translação de conhecimento na investigação participativa? A experiência de um projeto na área do VIH/Sida

Abstract

A challenge in public health research has been to promote the use of the scientific knowledge produced in health action strategies and policies more effective, adequate, that thus translate into health gain. Knowledge Translation therefore has been of critical relevance for health research. In this article it is aimed to reflect on how knowledge translation was pursued and enhanced in a participatory HIV/ AIDS research project. Project PREVIH’s goal was to contribute to promote sexual health, reduce HIV transmission and improve access to healthcare among Men who have Sex with Men and Sex Workers in Portugal, as well as promote capacity-building and advocacy among the several ators involved. Through participatory approach, the project turned to be itself an intervention that, as a social innovation process, contributed for the creation of new synergies and for the system change, altering existing activities, creating new roles and redistributing and changing resources throughout the network. This experience triggered a dynamic and interactive process of knowledge production and translation into effective initiatives for communities’ health improvement.