“Health is Strength”: A Research Collaboration Involving Korean Americans in Alameda County

Research collaboration between universities, community-based organizations, and ethnic communities can yield high-quality research and CSR and PAR approaches help break through cultural barriers in otherwise "hard to reach" API sub-populations.

Abstract

Research collaboration between universities, community-based organizations, and ethnic communities can yield high-quality research. CSR and PAR approaches help break through cultural barriers in otherwise "hard to reach" API sub-populations. Determinants of success include sharing common goals; trust, honesty, and integrity; shared decision making; mutual respect of each partner's expertise; cultural sensitivity and cultural competence; flexibility, good communication, and mutual learning; and continuity of partners. Actively engaging members of the study population in the research process builds community capacity, thus laying the foundation for future projects that improve health status.