Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR) is rapidly becoming an important research methodology here in the United States. It has been practiced in developing nations since the 1960's and it has enabled social change and community development projects among populations that were suspicious of the motives of researchers. One barrier to its full implementation of CBPR is the general lack of knowledge about CBPR, its purpose, methods and outcomes.
Many definitions exist. However, this definition clearly describes the steps involved in CBPR at the Center.
It is a process that involves community members or recipients of interventions in all phases of the research process, including (1) identifying the health issues of concern to the community; (2) developing assessment tools; (3) collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data; (4) determining how data can be used to inform actions to improve community health; (5) creating the research designs; (6) designing, implementing, and evaluating interventions; and (7) disseminating findings.
Johns Hopkins Urban Health Institute
The Center's goal is to enhance the understanding of CBPR in our communities because we are committed to using this research process as a way to improve the health of Milwaukee's urban communities. CBPR needs effective and solid partnerships and our Outreach Specialists are actively involved in grassroots efforts, coalitions, taskforces and collaborative initiatives. We understand that in order to successfully implement CBPR, we not only need to be known and trusted by the community, but we must also know the community and understand their perspectives.
