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. 2024 Aug 16;24(1):2233.
doi: 10.1186/s12889-024-19614-3.

Exploring community-based participatory research for household and ambient air pollution projects: insights from key informants

Eunice Phillip  1 , Aisling Walsh  2 , Sarah Jewitt  3 , Farah Elnakoury  4 , Joella Simon  4 , Ronán M Conroy  2 , Debbi Stanistreet  2
Affiliations

Exploring community-based participatory research for household and ambient air pollution projects: insights from key informants

Eunice Phillip et al. BMC Public Health. .

Abstract

Background: Despite the extensive use of community-based participatory research (CBPR) in health-related projects, there is limited work on how CBPR processes result in outcomes, especially in household and ambient air pollution (HAAP) research. This study explores the reflections of key informants on factors that shape the implementation and outcomes of CBPR in HAAP projects.

Methods: We conducted semi-structured interviews with 13 key stakeholders, including academic researchers, non-governmental organisation administrators, a policymaker, and community members. All interviewees have experience in CBPR projects. Interviews were analysed using framework analysis, and findings were mapped to Wallerstein et al.'s CBPR conceptual model, which consists of four constructs: context, partnership processes, intervention and research, and outcomes.

Results: The findings are described under two main categories: 'barriers to participation' and 'good practices for effective CBPR design and implementation'. Relevant sub-categories were barriers at the structural, research, community, and individual levels. Suggestions for good practices included respect, cultural humility, trust, effective communication, suitable and affordable interventions such as improved cookstoves, appropriate participatory research tools, and gratuity for the community's time.

Conclusion: Key informants' perspectives identified factors supported by the CBPR model to inform the design and implementation of the CBPR approach. The add-ons to some of the model's factors, such as intra-community dynamics, give value to the informants' knowledge to support community-research partnerships and improve outcomes in HAAP intervention projects. Addressing these factors at the design stage and reporting CBPR evaluation could deepen the understanding of community-research partnerships.

Keywords: Air pollution; CBPR; CBPR conceptual model; CBPR principles; Framework analysis; Participatory approach.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no competing interests.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Wallerstein et al.‘s CBPR conceptual model. Available at https://engageforequity.org/cbpr-model/full-model/ re-accessed 24/07/2023
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Barriers to participation and good practice for sustained intervention use and behaviour change: The figure shows the interlinking and multi-level categories and sub-categories of factors associated with operationalising CBBR in health research from participants’ reflections and experiences
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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