Participatory epidemiology: the contribution of participatory research to epidemiology
Abstract Background Epidemiology has contributed in many ways to identifying various risk factors for disease and to promoting population health. However, there is a continuing debate about the ability of epidemiology not only to describe, but also to provide results which can be better translated i...
| Main Authors: | , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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BMC
2017-02-01
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| Series: | Emerging Themes in Epidemiology |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | http://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12982-017-0056-4 |
| _version_ | 1819057412673372160 |
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| author | Mario Bach Susanne Jordan Susanne Hartung Claudia Santos-Hövener Michael T. Wright |
| author_facet | Mario Bach Susanne Jordan Susanne Hartung Claudia Santos-Hövener Michael T. Wright |
| author_sort | Mario Bach |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Abstract Background Epidemiology has contributed in many ways to identifying various risk factors for disease and to promoting population health. However, there is a continuing debate about the ability of epidemiology not only to describe, but also to provide results which can be better translated into public health practice. It has been proposed that participatory research approaches be applied to epidemiology as a way to bridge this gap between description and action. A systematic account of what constitutes participatory epidemiology practice has, however, been lacking. Methods A scoping review was carried out focused on the question of what constitutes participatory approaches to epidemiology for the purpose of demonstrating their potential for advancing epidemiologic research. Relevant databases were searched, including both the published and non-published (grey) literature. The 102 identified sources were analyzed in terms of comparing common epidemiologic approaches to participatory counterparts regarding central aspects of the research process. Exemplary studies applying participatory approaches were examined more closely. Results A highly diverse, interdisciplinary body of literature was synthesized, resulting in a framework comprised of seven aspects of the research process: research goal, research question, population, context, data synthesis, research management, and dissemination of findings. The framework specifies how participatory approaches not only differ from, but also how they can enhance common approaches in epidemiology. Finally, recommendations for the further development of participatory approaches are given. These include: enhancing data collection, data analysis, and data validation; advancing capacity building for research at the local level; and developing data synthesis. Conclusion The proposed framework provides a basis for systematically developing the emergent science of participatory epidemiology. |
| first_indexed | 2024-12-21T13:38:54Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-15b57afe961c431fbda6c4b7162661f9 |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 1742-7622 |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-12-21T13:38:54Z |
| publishDate | 2017-02-01 |
| publisher | BMC |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Emerging Themes in Epidemiology |
| spelling | doaj.art-15b57afe961c431fbda6c4b7162661f92022-12-21T19:02:05ZengBMCEmerging Themes in Epidemiology1742-76222017-02-0114111510.1186/s12982-017-0056-4Participatory epidemiology: the contribution of participatory research to epidemiologyMario Bach0Susanne Jordan1Susanne Hartung2Claudia Santos-Hövener3Michael T. Wright4Robert Koch InstituteRobert Koch InstituteCatholic University of Applied Sciences BerlinRobert Koch InstituteCatholic University of Applied Sciences BerlinAbstract Background Epidemiology has contributed in many ways to identifying various risk factors for disease and to promoting population health. However, there is a continuing debate about the ability of epidemiology not only to describe, but also to provide results which can be better translated into public health practice. It has been proposed that participatory research approaches be applied to epidemiology as a way to bridge this gap between description and action. A systematic account of what constitutes participatory epidemiology practice has, however, been lacking. Methods A scoping review was carried out focused on the question of what constitutes participatory approaches to epidemiology for the purpose of demonstrating their potential for advancing epidemiologic research. Relevant databases were searched, including both the published and non-published (grey) literature. The 102 identified sources were analyzed in terms of comparing common epidemiologic approaches to participatory counterparts regarding central aspects of the research process. Exemplary studies applying participatory approaches were examined more closely. Results A highly diverse, interdisciplinary body of literature was synthesized, resulting in a framework comprised of seven aspects of the research process: research goal, research question, population, context, data synthesis, research management, and dissemination of findings. The framework specifies how participatory approaches not only differ from, but also how they can enhance common approaches in epidemiology. Finally, recommendations for the further development of participatory approaches are given. These include: enhancing data collection, data analysis, and data validation; advancing capacity building for research at the local level; and developing data synthesis. Conclusion The proposed framework provides a basis for systematically developing the emergent science of participatory epidemiology.http://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12982-017-0056-4Participatory epidemiologyMethodologyParticipatory researchHealth promotionCapacity buildingContext |
| spellingShingle | Mario Bach Susanne Jordan Susanne Hartung Claudia Santos-Hövener Michael T. Wright Participatory epidemiology: the contribution of participatory research to epidemiology Emerging Themes in Epidemiology Participatory epidemiology Methodology Participatory research Health promotion Capacity building Context |
| title | Participatory epidemiology: the contribution of participatory research to epidemiology |
| title_full | Participatory epidemiology: the contribution of participatory research to epidemiology |
| title_fullStr | Participatory epidemiology: the contribution of participatory research to epidemiology |
| title_full_unstemmed | Participatory epidemiology: the contribution of participatory research to epidemiology |
| title_short | Participatory epidemiology: the contribution of participatory research to epidemiology |
| title_sort | participatory epidemiology the contribution of participatory research to epidemiology |
| topic | Participatory epidemiology Methodology Participatory research Health promotion Capacity building Context |
| url | http://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12982-017-0056-4 |
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