Reducing health disparities through community-based research

Abstract

EDWARD L. BAKER, MD, MPHa LUANN E. WHITE, PHD, DABTb MAUREEN Y. LICHTVELD, MD, MPHa Health disparities associated with race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status are consistently observed in mortality and morbidity statistics and in indicators of health.' The slow progress in reducing health disparities demands that we expand the traditional research approach of studying problems toward seeking solution-oriented outcomes that address practice needs.2 The ultimate goal of public health prevention research is to generate a strong science base that supports practice and includes measures to translate science into programs and policy. One promising direction emerging from prevention research utilizes a community-based approach3 and is integral in the evolution of research in ways that are applicable to practice. Successful translation of science into public health practice is an iterative process that depends on practice needs, partnerships, and applicability of research. The process has three components: research, dissemination, translation into practice (see Figure).