Understanding Critical Concepts in Engaged Research: The Case of a Rural Health Development Project in South Africa

Abstract

Inadequate health coverage to rural areas is exacerbated by persisting socio-historical and economic barriers to rural health development, i.e. social and epistemic injustices such as poverty, racism, lack of education, and the effects of apartheid. Following this, the analysis of community health variables requires us to deploy complex conceptual models in our research approaches. In the case of rural health development presented in this chapter, we propose that an engaged research approach, underpinned by a complex conceptual model, is required to both properly understand and address rural health. Through an engaged research project pharmacists and fellow healthcare practitioners can understand the variables that determine community health and it can thereafter be harnessed and adapted for health development. This chapter promotes the integration of engaged research concepts, asset-based community development, culture and the transformative paradigm, epistemic justice, health promotion, and health literacy in developing rural health within a South African context.