| Learning Objective #1: Understand the process of PAR in relation to empowering the community in the promotion of health and well-being | |||
| Learning Objective #2: Describe the process of building diverse relationships with researcher/informants from a global perspective |
Objective: The focus of this qualitative participatory action research study was to discover the health needs of a Nicaraguan community and, to include partnerships of nursing faculty, psychology students and community leaders in the identification and implementation of health needs. Design & Method: Participatory action research involves a systematic approach that identifies possible problems and solutions identified by the community in a culturally competent manner. The design for this method includes a process called a cycle, which includes the plan, action, observation, reflection and revised plan, acting, reflecting, and evaluating. The first cycle included a community needs assessment and priority identification as established by the community of researchers. Population: The Participatory action research method was used collaboratively with researchers from Duquesne University School of Nursing, UPOLI, community leaders from the barrio and 3 local psychology students. Research Questions: The research questions for this study are: What are the community health needs of barrio Panorama? What is the culturally congruent process of developing a research team to address the health needs of the community? What is the process used to empower the community? Findings: The main concern was the lack of educational access for children in the barrio. Through the process of PAR the community of researchers identified the building of a multi-purpose educational facility in order to promote a healthy future for the community. Conclusion and Implications: The focus of this paper presentation will be to discuss the usefulness of PAR as a method of promoting health in barrio Panorama through empowerment. Surprise priority needs may occur and the ability to see the need through the lenses of the people is essential. The heath needs of the community can be understood and acted on in a culturally congruent manner in unison with partners in the community.
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