Training Course on Community-Based Participatory Research in Health

Module 1: Introduction to Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR)
Objective: Understand the foundations, principles, and significance of CBPR in health research.
Subtopics:
Definition and Evolution of CBPR
Origins of participatory research in health.
Differences between conventional research, participatory action research, and CBPR.
Core Principles of CBPR
Co-learning and mutual benefit.
Community empowerment and equity in research.
Shared decision-making and ownership of data.
Importance of CBPR in Health
Improving relevance and impact of health interventions.
Strengthening trust and collaboration between researchers and communities.
Benefits and Challenges
Advantages: culturally sensitive interventions, increased sustainability.
Challenges: time, resource requirements, power dynamics.
Case Studies
Successful CBPR initiatives in maternal and child health, chronic disease prevention, and infectious disease control.

Module 2: Community Engagement and Partnership Building
Objective: Learn strategies to build trustful, effective, and sustainable partnerships with communities.
Subtopics:
Identifying and Mapping Stakeholders
Community leaders, organizations, and key influencers.
Understanding social networks and community dynamics.
Building Trust and Mutual Respect
Strategies for transparent communication.
Negotiating roles, expectations, and responsibilities.
Establishing Community Advisory Boards and Steering Committees
Functions, membership, and decision-making processes.
Maintaining engagement and accountability.
Communication Strategies
Tailoring messages for diverse literacy and cultural backgrounds.
Conflict resolution and mediation techniques.
Sustaining Long-Term Partnerships
Continuous engagement, follow-up, and feedback loops.
Building capacity in communities to continue projects independently.

Module 3: Designing CBPR Studies and Co-Creating Interventions
Objective: Develop participatory research designs and collaboratively create interventions with community stakeholders.
Subtopics:
Collaborative Research Question Development
Applying the PICO framework in participatory research.
Ensuring relevance to community needs.
Selecting Appropriate Study Designs
Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods approaches.
Participatory action research techniques.
Co-Creation of Interventions
Engaging communities in designing health programs.
Incorporating local knowledge, culture, and practices.
Feasibility and Pilot Studies
Planning and implementing small-scale interventions.
Iterative feedback and adaptation.
Cultural Competence and Contextual Adaptation
Tailoring study protocols to local context.
Ensuring inclusivity and sensitivity to community norms.

Module 4: Data Collection, Analysis, and Interpretation
Objective: Conduct and analyze research collaboratively with community involvement.
Subtopics:
Participatory Data Collection Methods
Focus groups, interviews, surveys, photovoice, community mapping.
Training community members as data collectors.
Ensuring Data Quality and Ethics
Confidentiality, informed consent, and data protection.
Minimizing bias in participatory research.
Collaborative Data Analysis Techniques
Coding qualitative data with community input.
Integrating quantitative and qualitative findings.
Interpreting and Validating Findings
Engaging community members in interpretation.
Triangulation to improve reliability and validity.
Translating Findings into Action
Identifying practical implications for health programs.
Co-developing recommendations with community stakeholders.

Module 5: Dissemination, Evaluation, and Sustainability
Objective: Share findings responsibly and ensure lasting impact of CBPR projects.
Subtopics:
Dissemination Strategies
Creating accessible reports, infographics, and presentations.
Engaging both academic and community audiences.
Evaluation of CBPR Projects
Assessing health outcomes, community engagement, and empowerment.
Using qualitative and quantitative indicators.
Sustainability and Scaling Up
Strategies to continue interventions post-project.
Capacity building in communities for independent implementation.
Policy Translation and Advocacy
Using evidence to influence health policy and programs.
Engaging stakeholders at local, regional, and national levels.
Reflection and Lessons Learned
Documenting successes, challenges, and best practices.
Continuous learning and improvement in CBPR practice.