Multidirectional Translation of Environmental Health Science in Community Settings: The Case of Oxidative Stress Pathways

Background: Translation of environmental health science in vulnerable communities is particularly important to promote public health and reduce health inequities.

Methods: We describe a structured, multidirectional process used to develop a suite of health promotion tools (e.g., fact sheets, video, maps) documenting patterning of local air pollution sources and availability of antioxidant-rich foods in Detroit, Michigan as factors that jointly affect oxidative stress (OS). OS underlies many pathological processes associated with air pollution, including asthma, metabolic syndrome, cancer, diabetes, and obesity. This translational effort involved a 2-year dialogue among representatives from community-based and environmental organizations, health service providers, and academic researchers.

Results: This dialogue led to development of tools, as well as new opportunities to inform related policies and research.

Conclusions: Through this example, we highlight how collaborative partnerships can enhance multidirectional dialogue to inform translation of environmental health science by promoting consideration of multilevel risk factors, local priorities and context, and diverse audiences.