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Dissertation
Taking power back: a mixed methods study exploring strategies to increase research capacity in urban communities of color in the United States
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Drexel University
Jun 2025
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17918/00011046
Abstract
Addressing power inequities in research experienced by urban communities of color in the United States is a critical public health issue because systems prioritize individuals and institutions. Despite the principles of The Belmont Report and the Common Rule, these communities are often excluded from investigative processes and are reluctant to enroll in research, thereby limiting the generalizability of studies and our capacity to improve health disparities. Furthermore, community-based organizations lack the resources to address these challenges sufficiently. This dissertation begins with a systematic literature review, presents a co-created mixed methods outcomes evaluation of an urban, community-led nonprofit that prioritizes community protections in research, and considers members' perceptions of its community research review board (CRRB). It (1) identifies institution- and community-led solutions to address these power inequities; (2) explores members' perceptions of a nonprofit's mission-driven productivity; and (3) describes CRRB members' characterization of their group's development. Many (n = 69.2%) of the solutions from the literature review (n = 26) were institution-led and addressed compliance barriers, while the community-led initiatives were iterations of CRRBs. The shared theme was sustainability--the value of engagement, stakeholder buy-in, and funding. The outcomes evaluation included a historical document review and prospective program monitoring, focus groups, and baseline/final surveys to assess mission-driven productivity. Results showed some progress and concordance in areas tied to member engagement, group cohesion, and self-governance and challenges in outreach and related sustainability activities. The study of the CRRB, which emerged from the outcomes evaluation, included a focus group and historical document review. Its findings revealed that the group's development is linked to the acquisition of knowledge about research, trust, and partnership building. Collectively, the findings can further community and institutional leaders' understanding of how and why to co-develop solutions that increase communities' capacity and shift the power dynamics in research, as this can promote systems-level changes to better address health inequities.
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Details
- Title
- Taking power back
- Creators
- Allison Sarah Rusgo
- Contributors
- Amy Carroll-Scott (Advisor)
- Awarding Institution
- Drexel University
- Degree Awarded
- Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
- Publisher
- Drexel University; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Number of pages
- ix, 235 pages
- Resource Type
- Dissertation
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- Dana and David Dornsife School of Public Health; Drexel University
- Other Identifier
- 991022058936904721