An Integrated Methodological Approach to Address Immigrants’ Complex Health Issues: Lessons From the CAN-HEAL Study

Abstract

Community-based participatory research (CBPR) and integrated knowledge translation (IKT) are methodological approaches that emphasize the value of equitable partnerships between researchers and community partners. The main difference between these approaches is that CBPR is advocacy-centered and aims at addressing inequities by instigating systemic and policy changes, whilst IKT is application- and upstream solution-oriented especially within the context of health and social care improvement. Previous studies that have used a collaborative approach mainly focused on either CBPR or IKT to a lesser extent.The CAN-HEAL project employed an innovative methodological approach that integrates CBPR and IKT to address mental health needs among Arab immigrants and refugees in Ontario, Canada. Integral to this approach are three pillars: (1) establishment of a multi-level community partnership; (2) adherence to cultural sensitivity principles; and (3) commitment to social justice and application. The use of an CBPR-IKT approach led to numerous successes, including the co-development of a holistic upstream-downstream-based health promotion action plan to tackle inequities. This approach was associated with different challenges (e.g., limited resources), which were mitigated by employing certain enablers (e.g., assistance from community leaders). Based on lessons from this project, recommendations are made for governmental agencies and academic institutions to advance CBPR-IKT research to promote the sustainability and well-being of communities.