Background:
The aim of this study was to position participatory action research (PAR) as a vital, dynamic and relevant approach that can be used when researching disenfranchised populations. PAR enables people to contribute their ideas, and plan and partake in effective action to improve their lives.
Method:
We have developed a chronic illness research program that has been guided by participatory principles. Research to date includes the following: the needs of people who were learning to live with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and the intrusion of fatigue, learning alongside older people with asthma, people (homeless men living with schizophrenia) who experienced incontinence, Aboriginal elders who wanted to develop strategies to bring their plight of the high incidence of diabetes to the attention of their community, and women who were homeless and had been sexually violated as children. In addition, PAR as a legitimate methodology, the literature identified the following disenfranchised groups: persons with chronic illnesses such as HIV/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome and depression (n = 26), psychiatric diagnoses (eg clinical depression, schizophrenia) (n = 15), survivors of abuse (n = 6), alcohol misuse (n = 2), illicit drug use (n = 4), prescription drugs use (n = 4), prison populations (n = 2) and people with organic brain disorders (n = 5).
Results/Conclusions:
While we have used action research approaches to research with people to explore disruptive events and develop ways they can transition through the event to create a sense of continuity in their lives, the literature has established that PAR is now a well-established methodological means for engaging with disempowered and/or marginalized populations into their own health management.
