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

Phillip, Eunice; Walsh, Aisling; Jewitt, Sarah; Elnakoury, Farah; Simon, Joella; Conroy, Ronán M.; Stanistreet, Debbi

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.

Citation

Phillip, E., Walsh, A., Jewitt, S., Elnakoury, F., Simon, J., Conroy, R. M., & Stanistreet, D. (2024). Exploring community-based participatory research for household and ambient air pollution projects: insights from key informants. BMC Public Health, 24(1), Article 2233. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-024-19614-3

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Jul 26, 2024
• Online Publication Date: Aug 16, 2024
• Publication Date: Aug 16, 2024
• Deposit Date: Aug 22, 2024
• Publicly Available Date: Aug 22, 2024
• Journal: BMC Public Health
• Electronic ISSN: 1471-2458
• Publisher: Springer Verlag
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 24
• Issue: 1
• Article Number: 2233
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-024-19614-3
• Keywords: CBPR, CBPR principles, Participatory approach, CBPR conceptual model, Framework analysis, Air pollution
• Public URL: https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/38630304
• Publisher URL: https://bmcpublichealth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12889-024-19614-3
• Additional Information: Received: 27 December 2023; Accepted: 26 July 2024; First Online: 16 August 2024; : ; : The study was conducted in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki and approved by the College of Medicine Research Ethics Committee (COMREC) in Malawi (P.03/21/3279) and the Research Ethics Committee, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (212558360). Informed consent was obtained from all participants.; : Not applicable.; : The authors declare no competing interests.