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Updated: Jun 5, 2026

Methodology for Establishing a Community-Wide Life Laboratory for Capturing Unobtrusive and Continuous Remote Activity and Health Data
Published on: July 27, 2018
Community-based participatory research in a large cohort study of chronic diseases among Alaska native adults
Diana Redwood1, Anne Lanier, Melissa Kemberling
1Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium Epidemiology Center, AK, USA.
Background:
In 2001, the National Cancer Institute (NCI) funded a project to develop methods to recruit American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) adults for a prospective cohort study of chronic disease risk and protective factors.
Objective:
We describe how the use of community-based participatory research (CBPR) principles led to more effective study design and implementation in a study in Alaska.
Methods:
CBPR elements included collaboration between researchers and tribes at all stages of the project, capacity building through training AI/AN staff in research methods, and knowledge dissemination through presentations, newsletters, and individual and community health feedback based on results of the study.
Results:
Between March 2004 and August 2006, 3,821 AI/ AN adults from 26 Alaskan communities enrolled in the study. Retention in the study is high, with over 88% of participants successfully completing a 2-year follow-up questionnaire.
Conclusion:
CBPR methods have facilitated effective development of study methods, recruitment and retention. Efforts are on-going to continue work with this unique AI/AN research participant community.
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