Empowering communities: a case study of integrated knowledge translation in the A/C study.

Abstract

Background: In Ontario, Black people make up approximately 5% of the population and routinely account for over 20% of new HIV diagnoses. The A/C Study, a community-led cross-sectional study among Black Canadians, was designed to examine the factors that augment HIV risk and vulnerability for Black communities and inform policy and practice in Ontario, Canada, regarding HIV prevention and care for Black people. Knowledge translation (KT) was integrated throughout the research process as a core component of the study.

Methods: Adhering to the principles of self-determination and autonomy in community-based participatory research, this study was led by Black researchers and was guided by an integrated knowledge translation (IKT) approach. The research team developed a KT plan including: (1) push activities to disseminate the study findings, (2) pull activities to help interested stakeholders "pull" information about the research and (3) linkage and exchange activities. Community members played an integral role in all aspects of the research, including KT activities, and contributed to the study's design and implementation and to the interpretation of findings. Significant efforts were made to build partnerships and trust with stakeholders and community members to support study implementation.

Outputs: The KT outputs include a community report and fact sheets available in English and French. There were also numerous community presentations, six conference abstracts and several multimedia and digital products. Community members co-led a World Café to share research findings and generate qualitative data to better understand the survey results and a research summit to develop an action plan for moving forward. Seven peer-reviewed manuscripts have been published with several more manuscripts in progress. Study data are available upon request to interested stakeholders.

Conclusion: Through active community involvement and engagement, the A/C Study generated a range of KT products. The information has been presented in various settings and formats to prioritize community audiences and support culturally appropriate and responsive knowledge sharing. These KT efforts underscore the importance of community involvement and partnership at all stages of the research process. The experiences, strengths and challenges of the IKT approach provide a case study of implementation in an equity-focused context.