Developing and Conducting a Dissertation Study through the Community Based Participatory Research Approach

The community-based participatory research (CBPR) approach has been shown to be innovative and effective in conducting research with communities experiencing health disparities.  Doctoral students who are interested in this approach can benefit through structured CBPR training experiences in learning how to engage with communities, build community capacity, share resources, implement CBPR study plans, and disseminate results of CBPR-focused studies.  The objectives of this case-study are to demonstrate ways in which one doctoral student aligned with academic mentors and a funded CBPR project to build a relationship with the Sikh Asian Indian (AI) community of New York City to develop and implement a CBPR-focused doctoral dissertation study.   The purpose of the research was to examine the relationship between the experience of perceived discrimination and health outcomes in this community.  CBPR methods utilized in developing the study entailed the author partaking in formal and informal CBPR learning experiences, building relationships with community and academic partners early on through volunteering, developing a research plan in collaboration with members of the community and academic partners, identifying an appropriate setting and methods for recruitment and data collection, increasing capacity and resources for all partners (the author, community, and academic), and presenting dissertation study findings to the community.  In conclusion, CBPR-focused doctoral experiences can offer early career researchers the opportunity to understand and implement innovative CBPR projects, leading to mutual benefits for all involved, and ultimately successful and effective community-based health research.