Creating and Evaluating a CBPR Training Model to Reduce Cancer Health Disparities: The WINCART Experience

Significance: Despite growing interest in CBPR approaches to reduce cancer health disparities, few CBPR training programs for underrepresented investigators exist. As CBPR becomes increasingly main-stream, data shows limited educational resources or opportunities for didactic experiences within a community and cultural context. In response, the WINCART (Weaving an Islander Network for Cancer Awareness, Research and Training) Center developed a training model that aims to increase CBPR knowledge and skills among Pacific Islanders (PIs). Purpose: Framing and development of a PI-specific CBPR training model emerged from an academic-community collaborative maximizing community and cultural relevance in training PI investigators. This online model is based on the Campus-Community Partnership in Health curriculum, and has been adapted to infuse PI voices and perspectives. Methods: WINCART training model trains and involves participants in CBPR through: 1) increased knowledge and attitudes toward the use of CBPR in cancer-related health research, 2) involvement in WINCART Center activities, including community-based health education, data collection, and analyses, 3) mentorship by PI and other community/university researchers to foster culturally-informed research-oriented motivations and skills, and 4) involvement in scientific-oriented conferences and publications. Results: A training model was established and evaluated. Results indicate increases in knowledge, attitudes and intentions regarding the use of CBPR in community-based research studies. Discussion: WINCART has created a cadre of underrepresented, ethnically diverse researchers who are grounded in the principles of CBPR. Participants are able to apply CBPR in different forms of community and academic interactions as they integrate the concepts and principles into their long-term career goals.