Community Participation in Health Disparity Intervention Research in Vietnamese American Community

Background: A community-based participatory research (CBPR) project used a lay health worker (LHW) intervention to reduce colorectal cancer screening disparities in the Vietnamese American community.

Objectives: The study seeks to understand how the community participates in the CBPR project from the perspectives of diverse stakeholders.

Methods: Qualitative interviews were conducted with 13 community leaders, community-based organization (CBO) representatives, LHW coordinators, and researchers. Interview topics included participation context, expectations, partnership dynamics, benefits, challenges, and community impact. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data analysis used grounded theory.

Results: Community participation was built on trust and relationships that were cultivated and nurtured over decades. This is the first study to document that Vietnamese Americans preferred an informal partnership style, but expected researchers to understand community health issues, norms, and collaboration styles.

Conclusions: CBPR in underserved communities has their own styles, expectations, benefits, and challenges. Understanding these issues is critical in engaging the community.