Pragmatic Action Research With 2 Vulnerable Populations

Abstract

Eliminating health disparities involving minority groups is a major national priority. Action research, a response to this national priority, may be derived from different theoretical models. The purposes of action research are to involve key community stakeholders in developing knowledge and taking pragmatic action to solve problems. In this article, the authors examine how the model was put into action for 2 distinct programs of research, comparing and contrasting final results, one report primarily focusing on recruitment and retention of participants and the other focusing on a community faith-based action research with formerly incarcerated women.

Challenges and Success of Recruiting and Retention for a Culturally Tailored Diabetes Prevention Program for Adults of Mexican Descent

“…The relatively high refusal rate of 9 of the 13 (69%) referrals may reflect the importance of personal relationships in the Mexican culture. 4,21,27 These potential participants received a telephone call from study personnel but had no personal relationship with the caller. Face-to-face contact, personal relationships, and grant staff from the target community are important recruitment strategies in the Mexican American population.…”

“…Face-to-face contact, personal relationships, and grant staff from the target community are important recruitment strategies in the Mexican American population. 4,13,21,25,27…”

“…The effectiveness of using churches for community outreach recruiting is supported by several studies. 21-23 Recruitment was facilitated at these presentations by conducting them in familiar locations (church halls) at convenient times, such as after a Spanish-language Mass, and each presentation was conducted by bilingual research team members of Mexican descent. These strategies helped to minimize cultural and contextual barriers to recruitment and have been widely used in other studies.…”

Recruiting Hospitalized Mexican American Elder Adults and Caregivers: Challenges and Strategies

“…Other studies with Hispanic individuals also reported that the purpose of the study (to improve the health of the MA community) was rated as even more important than other aspects (Kneipp, Lutz, & Means, 2009; Larson et al, 2009). Also, the necessity to reiterate that the study did not provide direct services occurred in previous studies (Crist, Parsons et al, 2009). …”

“…We viewed in-patients, their families, and staff at the hospital as the community with which to collaborate (Crist, Parsons et al, 2009). …”