Community Based Participatory Research (CBPR) in the American Muslim Community- A Case Study

Issue: Community-based participatory research (CBPR) utilizes a partnership approach that involves community members, organizational representatives, and researchers in all aspects of the research process. CBPR has been successful in promoting the voices and substantiating the needs of disadvantaged populations with values often overlooked by the healthcare system. This paper highlights the successes and challenges of conducting CBPR within the Southeast Michigan American Muslim community. Description: For over 18 months, we partnered with two Islamic organizations representing over 25 mosques, an American Muslim policy institute, and an Arab community health organization. The steering committee met monthly in person and via teleconferences; partners were involved in reviewing and approving the research proposal, protocol, interview guides, de-identified data, and drafting of manuscripts from a two-phase data collection strategy involving semi-structured interviews with community stakeholders and focus groups at area-mosques. Lessons Learned: There were significant challenges in maintaining partner involvement due to scheduling conflicts, level of intellectual involvement, differing expectations, and lack of clarity in roles. Participant recruitment was challenging due to a variety of factors: referral through multiple contacts, unfamiliarity with research, and a lack of interest. Recruitment strategies utilizing personal contacts were more successful. Recommendations: CBPR efforts within the American Muslim community have the potential for great benefit; however persistence, transparency, and trust-building are crucial for maintaining partnerships. There is an inadequate infrastructure to support Muslim community engagement in health-related research. It is important to foster a culture of research collaboration since challenges resulted from a lack of interest in community health.