Increasing research literacy: the community research fellows training program.

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR)

Background:

• Underserved populations are crucial for addressing health disparities.
• Community-based participatory research (CBPR) enhances research inclusivity.
• Capacity building in research methods is needed for community engagement.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the Community Research Fellows Training (CRFT) program.
• To enhance the capacity of underserved populations in research.
• To promote community-based participatory research (CBPR) for addressing health disparities.

Main Methods:

• A 12-session didactic and 3-workshop training program was implemented.
• Multidisciplinary faculty delivered training to 50 community members.
• Program completion and outcomes were assessed.

Main Results:

• 90% (45/50) of participants completed the CRFT program.
• Training increased community awareness of health disparities.
• Participants demonstrated enhanced research knowledge and CBPR capacity.

Conclusions:

• The CRFT program effectively builds research capacity in community members.
• CRFT empowers individuals to utilize CBPR for addressing health disparities.
• Strengthening community-academic partnerships is key to equitable research.