Examining and evaluating multilevel communication within a mixed-methods, community-based participatory research project in a rural, minority–majority U.S. Town

Angela L. Palmer-Wackerly, Maria S. Reyes, Sahra H. Ali, Kim Gocchi Carrasco, Patrick Habecker, Kristen Houska, Virginia Chaidez, Jordan Soliz, Julie A. Tippens, Kathryn J. Holland, Lisa Pytlik Zillig, Kali Patterson, Kirk Dombrowski

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

6 Scopus citations

Abstract

Community-based participatory research (CBPR) has been shown to improve health and social well-being by including diverse, marginalized community voices within academic–community partnerships. Although CBPR has gained in popularity, an explicit examination and evaluation of communication processes and outcomes throughout an entire CBPR project is lacking. Here, we analyze interviews with 10 stakeholders (i.e. 4 academic and 6 community partners) about their experiences in a three-phase, mixed-methods project exploring Hispanic and Somali community members’ perceptions of healthcare needs and access in a rural U.S. community. Results reflect that CBPR endeavors include communication challenges, successes, and ongoing tensions not simply between the academic group and community partners but also within these groups. We encourage academic–community research partners to devote considerable efforts to strengthening effective communication between and within multiple identity groups throughout an entire CBPR project (including evaluation) as they work to create, complete, and sustain project goals and outcomes.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)129-147
Number of pages19
JournalJournal of Applied Communication Research
Volume49
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - 2021

Keywords

  • Community-based participatory research (CBPR)
  • intergroup communication
  • minority health
  • mixed methods
  • rural health

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Communication
  • Language and Linguistics

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Examining and evaluating multilevel communication within a mixed-methods, community-based participatory research project in a rural, minority–majority U.S. Town'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this