Social capital as a framework for community based participatory research in cancer prevention and control

B41

Purpose:
 The aim of this research was to explore whether key dimensions of social capital might inform the community based participatory research (CBPR) approach to cancer prevention and control interventions that target low-income African American communities.
 Methodology:
 Focus groups were conducted at community health centers located in Nashville, Chattanooga, and Memphis. African American men and women, representing low-income urban communities, participated in 54 focus groups. The focus groups used semi-structured questions integrating multiple health-related constructs of social capital with community perceptions centering on the facilitators and barriers to cancer control and prevention. These constructs included community groups, neighborhoods, networks, collective action, communication, and leadership.
 Results:
 Participants characterized community as going beyond physical boundaries to interactions among neighbors. Varied beliefs were expressed about the decline in neighborhood cohesion that included changes in racial or ethnic composition and gentrification. Church pastors and politicians were considered leaders of the community; however, church leaders were perceived as more active in the health-related needs of their communities. The poor health of communities was attributed to a lack of motivation by community members to change lifestyles and behaviors. Perceptions surrounding cancer included the belief that cancer was a death sentence and people generally did not want to know if they had cancer. On the other hand, some believed that an early diagnosis of cancer might improve one’s survival, and that there needed to be greater communication of this fact. Major barriers to cancer-related screening included the fear of cancer screening outcomes and the general lack of knowledge related to health screening guidelines.
 Conclusion:
 Findings suggest the need for greater awareness of the social processes affecting the health of communities. This heightened awareness can improve the understanding of health and health inequalities affected by social capital. The assessment of social capital, as a health-related construct, may enhance community based participatory research focusing on cancer disparities by creating opportunities for individual and group interactions that facilitate effective and sustainable community health action.
 Funded by NIH 5P20 MD 000516 (EXPORT), NCI U01 CA114641 (Community Networks Program)