How can you use community-based research for environmental health communication?

Community-based research (CBR) is a collaborative approach that involves local stakeholders in the design, implementation, and dissemination of research projects that address their environmental health concerns. CBR can help you communicate more effectively with your target audience, build trust and credibility, and foster social change. In this article, you will learn how to use CBR for environmental health communication, and what benefits and challenges it entails.

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1 Define your research question

The first step in CBR is to identify a relevant and meaningful research question that reflects the needs and interests of your community. You can do this by engaging with community members, organizations, and leaders, and listening to their perspectives and experiences. You can also review existing literature and data on the environmental health issue you want to explore. Your research question should be clear, specific, and feasible, and align with your communication goals.

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Joshua Van Alstine

Partnerships Manager & Senior Radio and Podcast Host AlUla FM, Emcee (MC), Social Media Influencer, Media Advisor, Partnerships Expert. Business Development Magnet. Blogger.
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I think before we go hunting for a hypothesis we should see what outstanding ecological issues we have that are of highest priority. To gain the support of the public rightfully they will ask how this community-based research (CBR) is of interest to them. For instance if a community has an issue with invasive species and this is an item high on their agenda it is best to work with what they are looking to accomplish first before we venture out to issues that we as subject matter experts would be interested in this way we can gain favor and trust from the communities we are interested in serving.

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2 Choose your research methods

The next step is to decide how you will collect and analyze data to answer your research question. You can use quantitative methods, such as surveys, experiments, or statistics, or qualitative methods, such as interviews, focus groups, or observations. You can also combine both types of methods, depending on your research objectives and resources. You should involve your community partners in selecting and designing the research methods, and ensure that they are culturally appropriate, ethical, and accessible.

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3 Conduct your research

The third step is to carry out your research activities, such as recruiting participants, administering instruments, or conducting fieldwork. You should follow the principles of CBR, such as respect, reciprocity, and relevance, and maintain regular communication and feedback with your community partners. You should also document your research process and outcomes, and address any challenges or limitations that arise along the way.

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4 Analyze and interpret your data

The fourth step is to process and interpret your data, and draw conclusions and recommendations from your findings. You should use rigorous and transparent methods of analysis, and check the validity and reliability of your results. You should also collaborate with your community partners in interpreting the data, and incorporate their insights and feedback. You should acknowledge the strengths and weaknesses of your data, and discuss the implications and limitations of your research.

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5 Communicate your results

The fifth step is to communicate your results to your target audience, such as community members, policymakers, media, or other stakeholders. You should use clear, concise, and compelling language, and tailor your message to the needs and preferences of your audience. You should also use appropriate formats and channels, such as reports, presentations, posters, newsletters, podcasts, or social media. You should co-create and co-deliver your communication products with your community partners, and acknowledge their contributions and roles.

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Joshua Van Alstine

Partnerships Manager & Senior Radio and Podcast Host AlUla FM, Emcee (MC), Social Media Influencer, Media Advisor, Partnerships Expert. Business Development Magnet. Blogger.
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Communicating results are the most important aspect of CBR. How many times as an NGO did we ask for support from our constituents, been given access, and then get wrapped up in our own interests trying to make the best of the opportunities we have been given to later forget to communicate the results, insights, and lessons learned we gained from the engagement. It is so important to make information available even if we believe no one will be interested in our results. We need to also not make information simply available in its raw form but also go through the extra effort to highlight the main findings and communicate those in a way laypersons can understand and utilize.

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6 Evaluate and sustain your impact

The final step is to evaluate and sustain the impact of your research and communication on your community and your environmental health issue. You should use relevant and meaningful indicators and methods to measure the outcomes and effects of your research and communication, such as changes in knowledge, attitudes, behaviors, policies, or practices. You should also share your evaluation results with your community partners and audience, and solicit their feedback and suggestions. You should also plan and implement strategies to sustain and scale up your impact, such as follow-up activities, partnerships, or advocacy.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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How can you use community-based research for environmental health communication?

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1 Define your research question

2 Choose your research methods

3 Conduct your research

4 Analyze and interpret your data

5 Communicate your results

6 Evaluate and sustain your impact

7 Here’s what else to consider

Social Impact

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How can you use community-based research for environmental health communication?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Define your research question

2 Choose your research methods

3 Conduct your research

4 Analyze and interpret your data

5 Communicate your results

6 Evaluate and sustain your impact

7 Here’s what else to consider

Social Impact

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