A participatory model to implement a community wide health assessment survey and build capacity among community residents

The San Diego Prevention Research Center (SDPRC) is an academic-community partnership guided by community-based participatory research principles. Its mission is to conduct research and education to reduce obesity and improve the health of Latino populations through physical activity promotion. The SDPRC Community Engagement Committee (CEC) is represented by two city recreation departments, a school district, a school, a community health center, a county office of health and human services, two key social service agencies, and a public housing service center. Building capacity among community members and partners is one of the partnership's main goals. In 2009, the SDPRC worked with its CEC to implement a community wide survey to assess physical activity levels and quality of well being among Latino residents in participating communities. The CEC collaborated in determining and approving survey methods and content. Over a 12-month period, partners worked together to implement and interpret survey results. CEC representatives informed survey implementation with their community knowledge. Ten bicultural, bilingual, Latina community residents were hired to implement the survey and trained in research methods, ethics, and community engagement. SDPRC staff and community surveyors enumerated housing units in 200 neighborhoods, assisted in all research activities, screened over 1200 individuals, and conducted almost 400 home interviews. The SDPRC, in partnership with the CEC, successfully implemented the community well being survey. Survey findings have informed action steps and advocacy initiatives to promote healthy community changes. Building the capacity of community members led them to experience new opportunities, including working on a research project.