281 Community engagement in secondary analysis research: A case example

Abstract

Objectives/Goals: Community engagement is critical to promoting equity for those affected by clinical and translational research. Despite its importance, investigators rarely involve community stakeholders in ancillary projects such as secondary analyses. I use a study example to demonstrate how to meaningfully partner with communities in ancillary research. Methods/Study Population: Using data collected in a previous study, the aim of this secondary analysis was to examine whether pregnant women’s reports of social adversity during the third trimester were associated with their infant’s resting cortisol level at 1, 6, and 12 months of age. Community engagement at the study design phase included consultation with an institutional Community Advisory Board (CAB) whose expertise included lived experiences relevant to the context of the study (i.e., social adversity and pregnancy). Community engagement at the analysis and dissemination stage included deeper collaboration with three community research consultants (CRCs) from the CAB; all identified as women of color and mothers with relevant lived experiences. CRCs received compensation for time and effort and an invitation for co-authorship. Results/Anticipated Results: Consultations included written review as well as a live presentation and discussion with the CAB for feedback on the study proposal prior to submission for IRB approval. The focus of discussion was around the use of inclusive terminology and ensuring respectful and equitable representation of all participants in the original study, including those who reported experiences with social adversity during pregnancy. After receiving study approval, statistical analyses were finalized and CRCs actively engaged in discussions with the PI around the interpretation of results. CRCs significantly contributed to the development of solutions-oriented implications for practice, policy, and future research. All CRCs were co-authors on the study manuscript that was published in a top-tier international journal. Discussion/Significance of Impact: Community engagement in ancillary research is feasible and essential. True equitable collaboration requires partnership during all study activities, including critical phases (e.g., developing aims, data analysis). Researchers also should prioritize the use of datasets from studies that incorporated community partnership and engagement.