Integrating Systems Science and Community-Based Participatory Research to Achieve Health Equity

Am J Public Health. 2016 Feb;106(2):215-22. doi: 10.2105/AJPH.2015.302944. Epub 2015 Dec 21.

Abstract

Unanswered questions about racial and socioeconomic health disparities may be addressed using community-based participatory research and systems science. Community-based participatory research is an orientation to research that prioritizes developing capacity, improving trust, and translating knowledge to action. Systems science provides research methods to study dynamic and interrelated forces that shape health disparities. Community-based participatory research and systems science are complementary, but their integration requires more research. We discuss paradigmatic, socioecological, capacity-building, colearning, and translational synergies that help advance progress toward health equity.

Publication types

  • Letter
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Community-Based Participatory Research*
  • Cooperative Behavior
  • Health Equity*
  • Humans
  • Social Class
  • Systems Analysis*
  • Systems Integration