Formative research in the development of ADAPT

Abstract two: Formative research in the development of Addressing Disparities in Asian Populations through Translational Research (ADAPT) Background: With the development of ADAPT, an in-depth research needs assessment was conducted with Chinatown community-based organizations to determine what issues in the community need to addressed, evaluate “research readiness” of CBOs, and to better understand which topics should be included in capacity building program. The research needs assessment was conducted with CBO leadership from local community agencies to provide context for the design of a capacity building training focused on Boston's Chinatown. Methods: Semi-structured interviews with key leadership positions at 16 Chinatown CBOs. A systematic content analysis was then performed that involved the identification, labeling and categorization of the data followed by thematic analysis to code for prevalent themes according to the pre-defined codebook. A written summary of the findings was prepared and presented to the ADAPT group further action. Results: Based on the research needs assessment, ADAPT subsequently developed “Building Your Capacity: Chinatown” curriculum, a capacity building effort that examines the use of CBPR methods in the Chinatown context. Topics of concern were identified by the community and presented to the ADAPT steering committee and also demonstrated a spectrum of “researcher readiness” among the Chinatown CBOs. Conclusion: The research needs assessment has provided a foundation for much needed research in the Chinatown neighborhood, and the development of a capacity building training program for the Asian community. ADAPT provides a framework for addressing these issues by linking community agencies and academic researchers.