Conducting Community-Based Research in An African Immigrant Population: Lessons Learned
Clara M Gona1, Kathryn Kieran2, Jennifer Durning3
1Family Nurse Practitioner Program, MGH Institute of Health Professions, Boston, MA.
Ethnicity & Disease
|July 8, 2024
Summary
Partnering with a community advisory board (CAB) significantly improved recruitment and participation rates in health research among African immigrants. This collaboration is key for engaging hard-to-reach populations in health studies.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Health Disparities
- Immigrant Health
Background:
- African immigrant population is rapidly growing in the US.
- High prevalence of preventable chronic conditions observed in this group.
- Mistrust in healthcare systems hinders prevention and intervention research.
Purpose of the Study:
- Describe experiences from two health studies in an African immigrant community.
- Discuss lessons learned for conducting research with this population.
- Provide guidance for researchers targeting similar communities.
Main Methods:
- Conducted a cross-sectional and a qualitative focus group study.
- Recruited Zimbabwean immigrants in the Eastern US at community events.
- Total enrollment of 135 participants across both studies.
Main Results:
- Initial study failed to meet recruitment goals (98/120).
- Partnering with a community advisory board (CAB) led to meeting goals within 4 months.
- CAB partnership increased male participation (38% vs 24%) and completion rates (93% vs 28%).
Conclusions:
- Strategic community partnerships are essential for health research in immigrant populations.
- Building strong relationships with the community enhances access to hard-to-reach groups.
- Effective collaboration leads to higher participation rates in health studies.
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