Sharing Back, Listening Forward: Participatory Dissemination in a Tribal Community

Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR) is a partnership approach to research that involves the community in all aspects of the research process, from study design and implementation to interpretation and dissemination of findings. Participatory dissemination is a key aspect of CBPR scholarship that increases the potential for research to benefit the community. Our CBPR partnership was formed in 2014 with the goal of understanding and addressing substance use in a rural American Indian community. After developing our partnership and assembling a Community Advisory Board, we conducted a qualitative key informant interview study to gain a deeper understanding of addiction and recovery on the reservation. As participatory dissemination of research findings was a priority for our team, we decided to host an interactive community gathering to share the findings and receive feedback on the project from the community. In this manuscript, we describe the circumstances surrounding this community forum, the format and structure of the gathering, strengths of our approach, and lessons we learned throughout the process. We also offer guidance for other CBPR scholars interested in adapting our dissemination approach for other cultures and communities. Six primary teachings from our experience include: 1) know the community, culture, and customs; 2) connect dissemination to local current events; 3) make research findings accessible; 4) translate the importance of the research; 5) trust the community partners; and 6) be a good relative. Through genuine partnership and a true commitment to being good relatives to one another, research can achieve the beneficial impacts we intend.