A conceptual framework for evaluating health equity promotion within community-based participatory research partnerships. (October 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ward, Melanie; Schulz, Amy J.; Israel, Barbara A.; Rice, Kristina; Martenies, Sheena E.; Markarian, Evan
• Is Part Of: Evaluation and program planning. Volume 70(2018)
• Page Start: 25
• Page End: 34
• Publication Date: 2018-10
• Subjects: Community-based participatory research -- Community-engaged research -- Community-based research -- Participatory research -- Evaluation -- Framework -- Health equity -- Health promotion -- Equity promotion -- Participatory evaluation -- Health impact assessment -- Health disparities -- Social determinants of health; Health planning -- Periodicals; Medical care -- Evaluation -- Periodicals; 362.1068
• DOI: 10.1016/j.evalprogplan.2018.04.014
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0149-7189

Abstract

Highlights: We bridge community-based participatory research and health impact assessment principles in an equity evaluation framework. Equitable group dynamics can promote intermediate and long term equity outcomes within partnerships and broader communities. Equity evaluation metrics may be assessed using various data collection methods and instruments. Abstract: Community-based participatory research (CBPR) approaches present strong opportunities to promote health equity by improving health within low-income communities and communities of color. CBPR principles and evaluation frameworks highlight an emphasis on equitable group dynamics (e.g., shared leadership and power, participatory decision-making, two-way open communication) that promote both equitable processes within partnerships and health equity in the communities with whom they engage. The development of an evaluation framework that describes the manner in which equitable group dynamics promote intermediate and long-term equity outcomes can aid partners in assessing their ability to work together effectively and improve health equity in the broader community. CBPR principles align with health equity evaluation guidelines recently developed for Health Impact Assessments (HIAs), which emphasize meaningful engagement of communities in decision-making processes that influence their health. In this paper, we propose a synergistic framework integrating contributions from CBPR and HIA evaluation frameworks in order to guide efforts to evaluate partnership effectiveness in addressing health inequities. We suggest specific indicators that might be used to assess partnership effectiveness in addressing health equity and discuss implications for evaluation of partnership approaches to address health equity.