Community—Academia Partnerships to Promote Nutrition in the Lower Mississippi Delta: Community Members\u27 Perceptions of Effectiveness, Barriers, and Factors Related to Success

This study examined the perceptions of community members\u27 engaged in community—academia partnerships involved in developing nutrition interventions in three communities in the Lower Mississippi Delta. Perceptions on effectiveness of the partnerships were investigated. Six focus group interviews were conducted, with 33 participants that included 27 females and 6 males. The data were analyzed by content coding. Emerging themes were identified and related to accomplishments, barriers to success, and factors related to success of the partnerships. Accomplishments included the establishment of active committees, positive changes in health behavior related to food choices, and participation in community events. Barriers to success included the slow pace of intervention implementation, difficulties with understanding the role of the community in the participatory research process, the decision-making processes, and project name recognition. Factors related to success were tangible benefits to the community, participation that was representative, simplification of the research process, and the decision-making processes. © 2008, SAGE Publications. All rights reserved

Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Underserved Women in the Rural South Toward Breast Cancer Prevention and Detection

The goal of this study was to understand the unique needs and barriers to breast cancer control among African American women in the rural South. This population experiences barriers that surpass that of other minorities. Researchers conducted 6 focus groups to assess barriers of minority women in Mississippi toward breast cancer prevention and clinical trials. These women had little knowledge of treatment options and negative perceptions of screening and clinical trial participation. This research equips others to identify new health education strategies. Conclusions also provide insight into prevention for other minority populations, such as Latina, Asian, and American Indian women

Perceptions of Community-Based Participatory Research in the Delta Nutrition Intervention Research Initiative: An Academic Perspective

Lower Mississippi Delta Nutrition Intervention Research Initiative (Delta NIRI) is an academic–community partnership between seven academic institutions and three communities in Mississippi, Arkansas, and Louisiana. A range of community-based participatory methods have been used to develop sustainable nutrition intervention strategies. Focus groups were conducted with 22 faculty and staff members from the academic partners on the project to document their perceptions of community-based participatory processes in a federally funded, multi-academic–community partnership spanning a decade. Focus groups were conducted to glean insights or lessons from the experiences of academic personnel. Focus groups were transcribed and analyzed using the constant comparative method. Two researchers analyzed each transcript independently and reached consensus on the consistent themes. Participants candidly shared their experiences of working with community members to devise research plans, implement programs, and evaluate outcomes. The majority of faculty and staff members were attracted to this project by an excitement for conducting a more egalitarian and potentially more successful type of research. Yet each academic partner voiced that there was an underlying disconnect between community practices and research procedures during the project. Additional barriers to collaboration and action, located in communities and academic institutions, were described. Academic partners stressed the importance of open and ongoing communication, collective decision-making strategies, and techniques that support power sharing between all parties involved in the project. Findings from this research can inform academic–community partnerships and hopefully improve the community-based participatory research process implemented by academic institutions and communities

Perceptions of Community-Based Participatory Research in the Delta Nutrition Intervention Research Initiative: An Academic Perspective

Lower Mississippi Delta Nutrition Intervention Research Initiative (Delta NIRI) is an academic–community partnership between seven academic institutions and three communities in Mississippi, Arkansas, and Louisiana. A range of community-based participatory methods have been used to develop sustainable nutrition intervention strategies. Focus groups were conducted with 22 faculty and staff members from the academic partners on the project to document their perceptions of community-based participatory processes in a federally funded, multi-academic–community partnership spanning a decade. Focus groups were conducted to glean insights or lessons from the experiences of academic personnel. Focus groups were transcribed and analyzed using the constant comparative method. Two researchers analyzed each transcript independently and reached consensus on the consistent themes. Participants candidly shared their experiences of working with community members to devise research plans, implement programs, and evaluate outcomes. The majority of faculty and staff members were attracted to this project by an excitement for conducting a more egalitarian and potentially more successful type of research. Yet each academic partner voiced that there was an underlying disconnect between community practices and research procedures during the project. Additional barriers to collaboration and action, located in communities and academic institutions, were described. Academic partners stressed the importance of open and ongoing communication, collective decision-making strategies, and techniques that support power sharing between all parties involved in the project. Findings from this research can inform academic–community partnerships and hopefully improve the community-based participatory research process implemented by academic institutions and communities. © 2011, Society for Public Health Education. All rights reserved

Examining the Diet of Post-Migrant Hispanic Males Using the Precede-Proceed Model: Predisposing, Reinforcing, and Enabling Dietary Factors

Objective: To examine socio-environmental, behavioral, and predisposing, reinforcing, and enabling (PRE) factors contributing to post-migration dietary behavior change among a sample of traditional Hispanic males. Design: In this descriptive study, semistructured interviews, a group interview, and photovoice, followed by group interviews, were used to examine dietary change and contributing factors. The behavioral, environmental, organizational, and educational assessment phases of the PRECEDE-PROCEED model guided the organization of dietary contributing factors for development of a nutrition intervention. Setting: The southern region of Mississippi. Participants: Traditional Hispanic males (n = 19) were identified from 35 Hispanic males who participated in a larger study. The traditional Hispanic males were identified by the Acculturation Rating Scale for Mexican Americans-II and the Marginality Scale. Analysis: Using the Grounded Theory approach to data analysis, themes and core categories relating to dietary behavior were identified and defined during the analysis process. The constant comparison method was used to identify key themes among coders. Results: Cultural gender role and living structure, as socio-environmental factors, influenced the PRE dietary factors. Conclusions and Implications: Multiple factors influence dietary behavior in the target population. The identified socio-environmental factors underlie the PRE factors and, therefore, must first be addressed in nutrition interventions