497 - Perspectives from Diverse Stakeholders in a Youth Community-Based Participatory Research Study

Poster Number: 497
Publication Number: 497.344

Cordelia R. Elaiho, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States; Olutobi Oridota, CUNY School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States; Anuradha Shetty, State University of New York Downstate Medical Center College of Medicine, Highland Mils, NY, United States; LaTanya J. Phelps, Department of Education NYC, NY, NY, United States; Stephen Cheng, University of New England, Great Neck, NY, United States; Nita Vangeepuram, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States

Background: Teen HEED (Help Educate to Eliminate Diabetes) is a community-based participatory research (CBPR) study in which prediabetic adolescents from a predominantly low-income, non-white neighborhood in New York City, participated in a peer-led diabetes prevention intervention. Process evaluations often assess the effectiveness and impact of the CBPR method but generally do not reflect all relevant viewpoints.

Objective: To evaluate perspectives from all stakeholders, including participants and young study team members, about their role in the study and the impact of youth on research.

Design/Methods: We conducted 44 individual in-depth interviews with representatives from 6 stakeholder groups: study participants, peer leaders, study interns and coordinators, and younger and older community action board members. We reviewed audio recordings to identify relevant quotations and group them into overarching themes, including:: 1) Stakeholders endorsed the CBPR model and provided general feedback on the research process, including the benefits of involving young people in different roles; 2) Stakeholders reflected on the intervention workshops, the peer education model, and sustainability; 3) Stakeholders recognized the professional and personal impact of the study.

Results: Key findings informed lessons learned and strategies for future youth CBPR studies: 1) Youth are more likely to contribute to research if they see their input is valued, are invited to take part in various aspects of the research, and develop relationships with different members of the team. 2) Participatory approaches including both community and study team members allow for study updates, diversity of viewpoints, and incorporation of feedback that might not otherwise be obtained. 3) More inclusive process evaluations can yield constructive critiques of study interventions and the overall research process to inform adaptations. 4) It is important to create an infrastructure and positive environment for interactions among stakeholders, including youth. 5) An understanding of stakeholder motivations for involvement in research allows studies to be framed in the broader context of behavior change models.Conclusion(s): We assessed and critically analyzed feedback from diverse study stakeholders, including young people with various roles. Findings provide insight on the value of youth participation in research and proposed adaptations to a traditionally cited CBPR conceptual model (Figure 1).
Figure 1: Proposed Adaptations to a Traditional CBPR Conceptual ModelItems in red are suggested adaptations based on the author's research.