Community-Engaged Research Informing Upstream Determinants of Cancer Prevention for People with Criminal Legal System...

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Health Policy
• Community-Engaged Research

Background:

• Traditional cancer prevention focuses on knowledge and screening access.
• Upstream approaches, including health care policy, are crucial for cancer prevention.
• Women with criminal legal system involvement (CLSI) face unique barriers to cervical cancer prevention and early detection.

Purpose of the Study:

• To convene stakeholders, including women with CLSI, researchers, and providers, to identify upstream determinants of cervical cancer.
• To develop policy priorities for cervical cancer prevention and early detection.
• To explore the use of storytelling and community-engaged research in addressing health disparities.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a combination of storytelling and community-engaged research methods.
• Formed a community advisory board with diverse stakeholders.
• Documented the processes and effects of the collaborative work.

Main Results:

• Storytelling and community-engaged research fostered meaningful narratives and enriched outreach.
• Full collaborative leadership was partially hindered by participant preferences and COVID-19 restrictions.
• The community advisory board's influence extended beyond its initial scope, broadening the research team's strategic vision.

Conclusions:

• Community-engaged research and storytelling effectively informed the research and influenced the team's broader initiatives.
• Partnerships with community members are vital for advancing cancer prevention research.
• Addressing upstream determinants through policy is essential for equitable cancer control.