Community Board: Essential component of community based research

Community-based research can be enhanced by the participation of a community board. A formal integration of representatives of a community provides insight for critical research elements such as operations and interpretation of findings. In June 2006, JAPICO Community Board, an initiative of the UPR and NYU: RAAHP Center funded by the U54 NIDCR mechanism, was constituted. Aims: 1) to advise oral cancer investigators on the social, behavioral and cultural health determinants of Puerto Ricans; 2) to support activities and initiatives directed towards the prevention and early detection of oral cancer in Puerto Rico. The Board is composed of a professional advocacy group and representatives of the Puerto Rican community: ex/active smokers, community leaders, oral cancer patient survivors, college and high school students. Investigators have made presentations to the board members on epidemiological data, proposals and ongoing research projects in oral cancer. Advices emitted by the board include: 1) to incorporate illegal home made rum when studying alcohol consumption; 2) awareness of routine under estimation of exposure habits of high risk subjects' answering surveys and culturally relevant wording; 3) limited participation of professional board. The Board targeted policy change in Puerto Rico; specifically active support of Law 66, to regulate smoking in public places. At present, the Board advises investigators in research projects conducted at the UPRSDM.