Building capacities through CBPR: The wincart experience

Introduction: Community-based participatory research (CBPR) approaches are used to address health disparities via empowerment and capacity building among partners. Participants in the CBPR collaborative, Weaving an Islander Network for Cancer Awareness, Research and Training (WINCART), were assessed for changes in perceived individual and organizational capacity. Objective: To better understand how the capacity and influence of community-based organizations involved in a CBPR collaborative change over time, and to explore factors that influence these changes at the individual and organizational levels. Methods: From 2005-2010, a longitudinal survey was administered at three time points to individuals working within partner organizations. Role/position within the organization and length of involvement in WINCART were examined to assess: organizational influence among cross-sector groups, skills development of staff, and organizational capacity of cancer control efforts. Data analysis examined changes in capacity. Results: Preliminary results indicate 53% (n=37) of respondents improved skills in cancer research and programming within one year, yet change from year 1 to year 5 only improved by 6% (n=87). Organizational influence on community cross-sectors and capacity of cancer control efforts within one year were 72.5% (n=73) and 87.9% (n=71), respectively; however, outcomes decreased at year 5. Further analyses will explore relationships between role/position within the organization and increased capacity, influence and skills development. Conclusions: Results suggest that CBPR can be effective in improving individual skills. However, further training and technical assistance is necessary to facilitate positive changes in organizational capacities. Implications for CBPR values of empowerment and capacity building will be discussed.