Contacts

Nina Wallerstein, DrPH
Professor, MPH Program
Faculty Director, CPR

Julie Lucero, PhD(c)
Associate Director, CPR

Phone: (505)272.4491
Mailing Address:
MSC09 5060
1 Univ. of New Mexico
Albuquerque, NM 87131

Center for Participatory Research

Current Research

"Research for Improved Health: A National Study of Community-Academic Partnerships" (U26IHS300009/02) funded through the Native American Research Centers for Health, National Institutes for Health & Indian Health Service (2009-2013). This project is an in-depth investigation of promoters and barriers to Community Based Participatory Research (CBPR) in American Indian/Alaska Natives (AI/AN) communities and other underserved (minority communities); in order to improve health status and health equity.  This research project will invite the participation of CBPR projects from all NIH Institutes and Centers to participate in a national study design to strengthen the science of how CBPR partnerships can reduce health disparities.

The NARCH research partnership is based on multiple reciprocal relationships with allocated responsibilities for the following partners:

  • National Congress of American Indians Policy Research Center (NCAIPRC) led by Dr. Malia Villegas (Alutiiq/Sugpiaq), will convene a national Community of Practice (CoP), a multi-site leadership group of participating CBPR projects, an Executive Council, and a Scientific Community Advisory Committee.
  • University of Washington led by Dr. Bonnie Duran (Opelousas/Coushatta), is responsible for development, implementation, and analysis of a survey of approximately 80 CBPR sites.
  • University of New Mexico led by Dr. Nina Wallerstein, is responsible for qualitative development of vignettes for the survey instrument, and 8 case studies of CBPR projects.

Funded by National Center for Minority Health & Health Disparities (2006-2009), Native American Research Centers for Health, National Institutes for Health and Indian Health Service (2009-2013). Presently in Year-2 of a four year study, we are conducting Case Study investigations of CBPR partnerships throughout the United States. Our Case Study research design is qualitative utilizing in-depth interviews and focus groups, using our conceptual CBPR model illustrated below. For more information about this research, please download our Fact Sheet.

A Mixed-Methods Research Design:

  1. Quantitative Methods:
    1. Universe identified of CBPR Projects from 2009 RePORT database (excluded: pilot, RO3, training grants); added NARCH grants: Total 318 CBPR projects
    2. Internet Survey Involves:
      1. Key Informant (15 minutes: for the PI) $20.00 incentive                                         
      2. Community Engaged Survey (for PI and 1 other academic; and 2-3 community partners) $20.00 incentive for each
  2. Qualitative Methods - Case Studies of 6-7 community-academic partnerships involve:
    1. Interviews (10-12)
    2. Focus group and observation of partnership meeting
    3. Timeline discussion
    4. Brief partner surveys (12-20)

Grant Accomplishments:

  1. Conceptual CBPR Model (please see below);
  2. Project Code of Ethics and Integrity; Protocols for Publications, Student Involvement, Communications;
  3. Literature Review of Measurement Tools/Constructs: Sandoval et al, 2011;    
  4. Interactive CBPR Model linked to instruments and to variables matrix/measures: Pearson et al, 2011;
  5. Focus Group Guide for Partnership Collective Reflection and Evaluation (click here for slide show)

CBPR Conceptual Model (Click for high resolution image)

CBPR Conceptual Model