Research From a Diné-Centered Perspective and the Development of a Community-Based Participatory Research Partnership

Area of Science:

• Indigenous Health
• Community-Based Participatory Research
• Mental Health Disparities

Background:

• Indigenous (Diné) communities face high rates of behavioral and mental health issues, exacerbated by historical trauma.
• Western research methods often fail to address culturally nuanced dynamics, worsening health disparities.
• Complex culture-based relationships influencing health outcomes remain underconceptualized in Indigenous contexts.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce a community-based participatory research (CBPR) approach from a Diné perspective in three Navajo communities.
• To collaboratively explore community perspectives on research engagement and well-being through a Diné lens.
• To determine if a CBPR approach within a Diné research paradigm can develop culturally centered interventions.

Main Methods:

• A mixed-methods approach was employed, integrating surveys and focus groups.
• Community-based participatory research principles guided the study design and implementation.
• Data collection focused on understanding community well-being and research engagement from a Diné viewpoint.

Main Results:

• Six overarching themes emerged from the study findings.
• A Diné-centered CBPR approach is crucial for defining community well-being.
• This approach enhances community agency in addressing their own health disparities.

Conclusions:

• Indigenous-centered, community-engaged research can inform Indigenous well-being by leveraging local cultural knowledge.
• Effective research partnerships in Diné contexts must be grounded in a Diné paradigm and local cultural knowledge.
• This study demonstrates the potential of culturally centered research for addressing Indigenous health disparities.