Mixed methods participatory social justice community engagement model

Context: This is a community engagement model based on a Mixed Methods Participatory Social Justice (MMPSJ) research project. The community engagement model evolved as both synthesis and dissemination were co-created with participants. Indigenous community members alongside researchers and Elders explored health literacy in an effort to illuminate root causes of the social determinants of health (SDoH) and to build community capacity.

Objective: To better understand the connections between health and literacy from a local perspective (living on Treaty Six).

Design: Mixed methods participatory social justice and community based participatory health research.

Participants: There were: 12 participants; ten Indigenous intergenerational family members including an Indigenous Elder and two researchers.

Expected Results: Local, contemporary, Indigenous perspectives were shared in ways that were meaningful to participants.

Research Questions: In what ways can literacy be considered a social determinant of health from an urban Indigenous community? What literacy issues marginalize the community? How would you like this information shared or disseminated?

Conclusions: Appropriate engagement with local community can inform the social determinants of health in an appreciative way, can enhance ethical space, and a richer understanding within community-based research. This capacity building approach will impact health care practitioners, educators, policies, and help to strengthen relations across systems.

This research was reviewed and approved by the Behavioural REB at the University of Saskatchewan.