Building Partnerships Between Indigenous Communities and Universities: Lessons Learned in HIV/AIDS and Substance Abuse Prevention Research

• DOI: 10.2105/ajph.2008.134585
• Publication Date: 2009-02-27T02:45:50Z
• Authors: Julie A. Baldwin; Jeannette L. Johnson; Christine C. Benally
• Keywords: Community-Based Participatory Research; Substance abuse prevention; Research program

Many HIV/AIDS and substance abuse prevention studies in American Indian Alaska Native communities have been directed by academic researchers with little community input. We examined the challenges conducting HIV/AIDS-related research benefits of changing paradigm to a community-based participatory model. The lessons we learned illustrate that process should be cyclical one continual involvement members. Steps include (1) building sustaining collaborative relationships, (2) planning program together, (3) implementing evaluating culturally acceptable ways, (4) disseminating findings from tribal perspective. These steps can enhance long-term capacity conduct research.