Community-based participatory research in complex settings

Clean mind-dirty hands

Bibliographic Data

ID22945384
AuthorsJ Makhoul (American University of Beirut), Rima Nakkash (0000-0001-8800-5591, American University of Beirut, corresponding author), Trudy Harpham (0000-0003-4262-9352, University of London), Yara Qutteina (0000-0003-1211-9757, American University of Beirut)
Year2014
Volume29
Issue3
Pages510-517
Publication date2014-09-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueHealth Promotion International (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0957-4824 • E-ISSN: 1460-2245
PublisherOxford University Press (OUP) (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1093/heapro/dat049
PMID23872385
PMCIDPMC4130374
OpenAlexW2134525025
LanguageEN
Citations received9
References cited19

Despite the abundance of the literature which discusses factors supporting or inhibiting effective participation of community members in community-based research, there is a paucity of publications analysing challenges to participation in complex settings. This manuscript describes an intervention built on researcher-community partnership amid complex social conditions which challenged participation of community members at different stages of the research process. The research took place in a Palestinian refugee camp in Beirut, Lebanon and 1 of 12 in Lebanon which suffer from deteriorating social, economic and physical conditions perpetuated by state-imposed restrictions. The research team developed a community coalition which was involved in all stages of planning, designing, implementation and dissemination. In all those stages the aim was to maintain rigorous research, to follow a 'clean mind' approach to research, but maintain principles of community participation which necessitate 'a dirty hand'. Despite commitment to the principles of community-based participatory research, participation of community members (including youth, parents and teachers) was affected to a great extent by the social, physical and structural conditions of the community context. Characteristics of the context where research is conducted and how it affects community members should not be overlooked since multiple factors beyond the researchers' control could interfere with the rigour of scientific research. Researchers need to develop a plan for participation with the community from the beginning with an understanding of the community forces that affect meaningful participation and address possible deterrence.

Community engagement · Community organization · Community-based participatory research · Context (archaeology) · General partnership · Participatory action research · Political science · Public relations · Rigour · Sociology · Community Health and Development · Health Policy Implementation Science · Law · Mental Health and Patient Involvement