Latino southern REACH project: Lessons learned from community based participatory research (CBPR) to assess HIV/AIDS needs expressed within human rights framework

Background Latinos in the US South are disproportionately impacted by HIV/AIDS. Structural barriers, service practices, and anti-immigration laws contribute to limited access to HIV services and poor health outcomes. Using CBPR approach, the Latino Southern REACH project facilitated the formation of a community coalition to document Latino's HIV needs and advocacy efforts in nine US Southern states. Methods A transdisciplinary research team and 20 community members from Alabama, Arkansas, Northern Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, North Carolina, Mississippi, South Carolina, and, Tennessee, engaged in a partnership to carry out the research which resulted in a multi-state coalition. Through consensus, the coalition developed the research agenda, conducted in-depth interviews, and participated in data analyses on factors impacting HIV testing, care, and treatment in 9 communities. The coalition members received training via webinars focused on 1) human rights framework and 2) research design, participant recruitment, and data collection and analysis. Lessons Learned CBPR is a feasible methodology to conduct research with communities without prior exposure to research. Feasibility is associated with clear, mutually agreed upon roles, shared decision-making, flexible research agenda, and involvement of community members in all research processes. Latino cultural constructs and language are key considerations when developing partnerships with Latino communities. Conclusions Communities must play an active role throughout the research process to ensure that studies are culturally sensitive and relevant. The process of forming community-research partnerships is time consuming, yet it results in greater capacity and commitment by community members to advocate for the health of target groups.