Fostering culturally competent, community-based research in the API community through the Health Disparities Research Training Program

Unidentified gaps in research on the health status of the Asian Pacific Islander (API) community can be traced to two main sources. First, the model minority myth predicates the assumption that the API community possesses an excellent health status. Secondly, while APIs are adequately represented in the health field the lack of health data suggests that few pursue careers committed to reducing API health disparities. The Health Disparities Research Training Program (HDRTP) created by the Charles B. Wang Community Health Center and the Center for the Study of Asian American Health develops trainee competence and commitment to conduct community-based research. The program bridges the potential researcher with community frontline workers, stakeholders, and organizations. The yearlong program provides trainees with the skills and tools to develop a culturally relevant research study within the Asian American community. Experts share their knowledge and practical experience through a seminar series and mentoring program. The training culminates with the submission of abstracts to health conferences and journals. In three years, 20 trainees completed the program and presented their research at a health conference. The research studies included topics on: oral health, mental health, chronic disease, infectious disease, immigrant health, pediatrics, urbanism, obesity, and substance use. The HDRTP can serve as a prototype for research in underserved community settings as a means of cultivating a collaborative network. Dispelling the model minority myth and developing a workforce from within an API community setting can increase essential data and advocacy thus aspiring to public health without borders.