Examining the role of place and community-based participatory research (CBPR) in the development and implementation of health interventions for latinos: A qualitative systematic review

Addressing the health inequalities that Latinos suffer in the US requires expanding how we incorporate the social, cultural, and physical contexts in which individuals are live. This review explored the role of place (specifically, community-based settings) and evaluated the application of CBPR principles in the delivery of obesity related interventions among US Latinos.

We searched for interventions published within the past twenty years with keywords associated with health, Latinos, CBPR, and settings. Studies were included if the intervention targeted Latinos; a community-based setting was involved; and health behaviors included weight loss, physical activity, or diet. Data was abstracted using a standardized form, which included a scale to quantify CBPR principles applied.

A total of 149 studies were identified and 39 met the inclusion criteria. Of these, community-based settings included schools (n=16), CBOs (n=8) and private homes (n=4). Only 5 studies were conducted in rural areas. Most studies (n=18) included a combination of diet, physical activity, and weight loss behaviors. The average CBPR scale score was 2.6, with scores ranging from 0-8, higher scores implied more CBPR principles were applied.

There is need to explore settings where Latinos can be reached for health promotion interventions. Limited evidence is available for these interventions in rural areas where the Latino populations have recently grown (e.g., the US Southeast and Midwest). CBPR can assist in gaining entry, identifying community priorities and promising strategies, and ensuring interventions are grounded within the contexts of Latino communities to increase the success and sustainability of these interventions.