Community-Based Participatory Research (POPH90201)

There is increasing global recognition that public health research seeking to change the social determinants of health is most effective when communities are actively engaged. Therefore, many health researchers are looking towards participatory approaches to the production of knowledge. This subject will give students an understanding of, and experience in, Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR). CBPR is a collaborative approach to research that emerges from the interests or problems of a specific group or community, and is enacted through a specific set of social values. It is of interest to students wanting to build the necessary skills to support communities to deepen their understanding of their circumstances and to take action to help resolve conditions undermining health. In addition to gaining knowledge about CBPR perspectives, students will be taught a range of methodological approaches utilised in CBPR approaches globally. As part of this subject, students will be expected to participate in (a) practical exercises designed to enhance skills and techniques; and (b) workshopping, analysis and reflection of data collected during an in-class research project.