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Having a Say in Research Directions: The Role of Community Researchers in Participatory Research with Communities of Refugee and Migrant Background

Author

Listed:
  • Fran Hearn

    (Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Intergenerational Health, Melbourne 3052, Australia)

  • Laura Biggs

    (Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Intergenerational Health, Melbourne 3052, Australia)

  • Stephanie Brown

    (Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Intergenerational Health, Melbourne 3052, Australia
    Department of General Practice, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne 3052, Australia
    Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne 3052, Australia
    South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide 5001, Australia)

  • Lien Tran

    (Department of Medicine, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne 3052, Australia
    WHO Collaborating Centre for Viral Hepatitis, The Doherty Institute, Melbourne 3000, Australia)

  • Sherinald Shwe

    (Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Intergenerational Health, Melbourne 3052, Australia)

  • Ta Mwe Paw Noe

    (Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Intergenerational Health, Melbourne 3052, Australia)

  • Shadow Toke

    (Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Intergenerational Health, Melbourne 3052, Australia)

  • May Alqas Alias

    (Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Intergenerational Health, Melbourne 3052, Australia)

  • Maryaan Essa

    (Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Intergenerational Health, Melbourne 3052, Australia)

  • Shogoufa Hydari

    (Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Intergenerational Health, Melbourne 3052, Australia)

  • Josef Szwarc

    (The Victorian Foundation for Survivors of Torture Inc., Brunswick 3056, Australia)

  • Elisha Riggs

    (Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Intergenerational Health, Melbourne 3052, Australia
    Department of General Practice, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne 3052, Australia)

Abstract

Research teams in high-income countries often fail to acknowledge the capacity and contributions of Community Researchers. This qualitative exploratory study used decolonising methodology and the Foundation House ‘Refugee Recovery Framework’ to understand Community Researchers’ perceptions and experiences of their role, and how research teams can integrate the knowledge they bring into research. Purposive sampling was used to facilitate the recruitment of eight Community Researchers from five different community groups working in Melbourne, Victoria. Semi-structured interviews lasting forty to sixty minutes occurred between December 2020 and January 2021. Data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Findings reported in this paper include eight themes: ‘nothing about us without us’; ‘open the door’; a safe space to share; every step of the way; this does not translate; finding the right way to ask; a trauma-informed approach; and support within the workplace. The knowledge obtained demonstrates that Community Researchers facilitate meaningful participation in research for women, families, and communities of refugee or migrant background. Community Researchers’ presence, knowledge, and skills are vital in establishing culturally safe research practices and developing accessible language to facilitate conversations about sensitive research topics across multiple languages. Community Researchers can make important contributions at all stages of research, including data collection and interpretation.

Suggested Citation

  • Fran Hearn & Laura Biggs & Stephanie Brown & Lien Tran & Sherinald Shwe & Ta Mwe Paw Noe & Shadow Toke & May Alqas Alias & Maryaan Essa & Shogoufa Hydari & Josef Szwarc & Elisha Riggs, 2022. "Having a Say in Research Directions: The Role of Community Researchers in Participatory Research with Communities of Refugee and Migrant Background," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(8), pages 1-14, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:8:p:4844-:d:795277
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Laird, Lance Daniel & de Marrais, Justine & Barnes, Linda L., 2007. "Portraying Islam and Muslims in MEDLINE: A content analysis," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 65(12), pages 2425-2439, December.
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