Table 2 CBPR principles and MAPPS project outcomes

Recognize community as a unit of identity

Partnership among residents and metal recyclers in four neighborhoods who worked together to address an environmental health concern

Build on strengths and resources within the community

Shared expertise and learning among partners

Facilitate collaborative, equitable partnership in phases of the research

Articulated partner roles and responsibilities; Facilitated Community Advisory Board (CAB) meetings to allow for and encourage equal participation; Increased level of CAB engagement by relationship- and trust-building

Promote co-learning and capacity building among all partners

Improved knowledge about environmental health, neighborhoods and metal recycling through co-learning opportunities at meetings, workshops, tours and training activities; Adaption of MAPPS community survey protocol for other activities

Integrate and achieve a balance between research and action for the mutual benefit of all partners

A multi-faceted community-driven and evidence-based action plan based on research findings; Development of HHD Block Captain Program

Emphasize local relevance of public health problems and ecological perspectives that recognize and attend to the multiple determinants of health and disease

Lay reports of research findings that communicate the history of the project and major findings, as well as the impacts of the broader biological, environmental and social contexts on health and well-being

Involve systems development through a cyclical and iterative process

A decision-making process facilitated by regularly scheduled meetings that encouraged (sometimes diverse) input from all partners; Changes in process based on regular evaluations of CAB meetings

Disseminate findings and knowledge gained to all partners and involving all partners in the dissemination process

CAB-driven translation and dissemination of research findings at community forums and in scientific and lay reports

Establish a long-term commitment to the process

Sustained CAB commitment and involvement through having ground rules for the decision-making process; facilitated and respectful discussions to resolve differences; Team and tool building exercises to promote trust and develop relationships