Research That Matters (January 17 - 20, 2008)

Purpose: The HIV pandemic, a global phenomenon, has prompted myriad research projects in “developing” countries. Solid partnerships between academia and communities are recommended in health-related research, and in HIV research particularly. This is because partnerships present opportunities to develop grounded theories and strategies embracing both science and local experience. However, few models for international participatory research have been developed, and those available provide little insight into the preparatory phases of research. This paper addresses the initial phases of international research, with emphasis on community inclusion and participation. To illustrate how knowledge of community collaboration can inform the initial phases of international work, this paper traces the preparatory work that the authors have done in a small city in the southeast of Brazil.

Methods: The steps that comprise the model for international research reflect the notion of partnerships between university-based researchers and community partners. Theoretical models explaining partnerships between researchers and communities suggest that researchers and community partners develop social relationships that can help sustain their research partnerships over time. To maintain such partnerships, various research approaches have been suggested, including participatory research, action research, and empowerment evaluation. These approaches recognize the need for involving gatekeepers and community members in the preparatory phases of research. This early involvement can help researchers learn the needs of the community from people who live and/or work there. Collectively, these approaches suggest that collaborative research ought to: 1) actively involve researchers and partners, 2) benefit communities through services and/or social action, 3) be culturally relevant to community residents and stakeholders, 4) address social and health disparities, 5) disseminate knowledge through academic and community-based media, and 6) develop programmatic responses.

Results: Based on the literature and the theoretical framework above, a 5-step approach to international research is proposed: 1) Contextualize the “foreign” host country; 2) Identify collaborators in the host country; 3) Seek advice and endorsement from gate keepers; 4) Match the expertise, needs, and interests of researchers to those of host country partners; and 5) Establish a solid commitment to future collaboration. This theoretical model comprises five distinct steps for developing meaningful research collaborations in “developing” countries. The order of these steps may not reflect the sequential development of all partnerships. They are presented in this order for clarity. The degree to which each element of each step is implemented will depend on the time invested in building the partnership, the agency partner, the type of research, and those involved.

Implications: This paper demonstrates that the key tenets of community-university collaboration and participatory research can guide the initial phases of international research, thus providing steps for investigators to follow in order to forge partnerships in “developing' countries. The model embraces both social work philosophy and the key elements of participatory research. We recommend that researchers use designs that reflect social work's values and preferred methods as well as indigenous knowledge to accomplish the steps in the model.