CBPR Partnerships and Near-Roadway Pollution: A Promising Strategy to Influence the Translation of Research into...

Area of Science:

• Environmental health
• Community-based research
• Public policy

Background:

• Community-based participatory research (CBPR) engages stakeholders to improve research translation into practice.
• Reducing exposure to near-roadway pollution is a critical public health concern.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the policy and practice implications of a CBPR partnership focused on near-roadway pollution.
• To assess how CBPR influences local planning and development practices.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative research methods were employed.
• Key Informant interviews (n=13) were conducted with municipal, state, and private sector individuals.
• Interviews focused on technical assistance provided by the Community Assessment of Freeway Exposure and Health (CAFEH) partnership (2013-2017).

Main Results:

• Community research partnerships can inform local planning efforts.
• Developers and planners reported increased awareness of near-roadway pollution implications.
• Consulted professionals indicated practice changes based on study findings.

Conclusions:

• The CAFEH partnership demonstrated knowledge translation influencing local planning and practice.
• CBPR can be a powerful tool for environmental health policy and implementation.
• Challenges exist but do not negate the positive impact of community-research collaborations.