Capacity building through focus group training in community-based participatory research

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Community Engagement
• Qualitative Research Methods

Background:

• Community-based participatory research (CBPR) fosters equitable collaboration between communities and academics.
• Capacity building in research methodology is a key outcome for CBPR partnerships.

Purpose of the Study:

• To detail the process and outcomes of building community research capacity in focus group moderation within a CBPR initiative.
• To share lessons learned from implementing a community-centered research training program.

Main Methods:

• A US suburban community group received 12 hours of interactive training in focus group moderation, followed by an 8-hour advanced workshop.
• Ten focus groups were conducted at an adult education center to address a community-identified health concern.
• Program evaluation involved observations by both community and academic partners.

Main Results:

• Twenty-seven community and academic members were trained in focus group moderation, note-taking, and report compilation.
• Training enhanced trust between community and research partners, empowering individuals and increasing CBPR research capacity.
• Trained community members successfully applied moderation skills to a health-focused CBPR project.

Conclusions:

• Equipping community members with qualitative research skills, such as focus group moderation, promotes capacity building in diverse populations.
• This CBPR approach strengthens community-academic partnerships and contributes to the sustainability of health interventions.
• Capacity building is vital for the success and long-term impact of community-based participatory research projects.