Qualitative Research and a Community-Based Participatory Research Approach – A Combination for Success in Disparities Research

A community-based participatory research (CBPR) approach is often useful in health disparities research and it is more frequently being applied to a wide range of study designs, although with limited evaluation. We discuss the expected and unexpected outcomes that resulted from the initial qualitative phase of CBPR intervention study.

Data are from a NIH-funded study to develop interventions for urban children with co-morbid asthma and obesity. Some of the community partnerships were well established while others were new. The initial goal was to define the intervention through a qualitative exploration.

Eighteen key informant interviews were conducted. Recognition of asthma issues by obesity experts, and vice versa, was not common. Four parent and three child focus groups were held. Grounded theory analysis was used. Most parents knew the asthma triggers and obesity risks, and were aware of the connections between asthma and obesity. Unexpected themes included challenges using food stamps and difficulty controlling the eating behaviors of children.

After the qualitative phase, discussions with participants clearly indicated that many new schools, service agencies, clinics, and community-based organizations now felt connected to the project. These participants demonstrated this by leading recruitment for the intervention phase through their networks.

These qualitative data informed the intervention design as anticipated. They also strengthened and expanded our community partnerships. Increased community familiarity with the study and associated trust was obvious during intervention recruitment. In disparities research where recruitment of vulnerable populations is challenging, the qualitative research process itself—not just the outcomes—aides in subsequent research.