Lessons learned: Conducting community based participatory research in a predominantly African American community

Community based participatory research (CBPR) principles are important tools in establishing community-driven initiatives. Moreover, understanding and responding to the specific and unique community dynamics builds trust and effective partnerships. In 2005, Cleveland State University's Center for Health Equity in partnership with St. Vincent Charity Hospital received a planning grant funded by NIH/NCMHD to address obesity using CBPR in the Central Neighborhood of Cleveland, Ohio. For more than three years this process aimed to establish equal and transparent partnerships between community members, stakeholders and the academic researchers. This partnership is unique as the majority of the members are community residents who are not the traditional community leaders, but instead offer a valuable perspective and voice. The project's goal was to address obesity concerns through prevention as defined by the community. Our objective will be to highlight the successes and challenges of implementing CBPR in one of Cleveland, Ohio's most challenged neighborhoods. This presentation will explore lessons learned related to: the process of data collection reflective of the community demographic, defining the community and sustaining their input, the impact of community agencies' structure/policy versus research needs, and highlight the challenges related to the intervention and health outcomes.