ABSTRACT
Community engagement can be defined as the process of working collaboratively with groups
of people who are affiliated by geographic proximity, special interests, or similar situations
with respect to issues affecting their well-being. Community engagement research will enable
researchers to effectively incorporate critical insights into their research questions and also
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conduct research that can translate more easily to real world settings and impact health.
Regrettably, the knowledge of community engagement research is still poorly understood in
most nations in Africa.
The main objective of this study is to highlight the roles of community engagement in
promoting research outcomes.
This research work was designed as part of the CaPTC Transatlantic Cancer Familial Project
which is an on-going cohort study of prostate cancer in men of West African ancestry. The first
phase of the project was a questionnaire-based survey which was designed to be administered
in diverse community settings. Prior to the administration of the questionnaires, the community
leaders were contacted and co-opted as important stakeholders.
The turnout and the willingness of the members of the community to participate in the survey
was very impressive. The respondents agreed to participate in future researches including
clinical trials if contacted.
Community engagement in research may enhance a community’s ability to address its own
health needs and health disparity issues while ensuring that researchers understand community
priorities. Therefore, there is great need to explore community engagement research in Nigeria.
Keywords: Community access, community engagement, community leaders, research.
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