Department of Community and Family Health, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, 13 201 Bruce B. Downs, Blvd., MDC 56, Tampa, FL 33 612, USA. jbaldwin@health.usf.edu
Source
American Journal of Public Health. 2009 Apr;99 Suppl 1:S77-882
Many HIV/AIDS and substance abuse prevention studies in American Indian and Alaska Native communities have been directed by academic researchers with little community input. We examined the challenges in conducting HIV/AIDS-related research in American Indian and Alaska Native communities and the benefits of changing the research paradigm to a community-based participatory model. The lessons we learned illustrate that the research process should be a cyclical one with continual involvement by community members. Steps in the process include (1) building and sustaining collaborative relationships, (2) planning the program together, (3) implementing and evaluating the program in culturally acceptable ways, and (4) disseminating research findings from a tribal perspective. These steps can enhance the long-term capacity of the community to conduct HIV/AIDS and substance abuse prevention research.