Methods for engaging vulnerable and marginalized children through community based participatory research: a scoping review.

backgroundCommunity-based participatory research (CBPR) is an evolving approach that fosters equitable partnerships between researchers and community members. However, significant knowledge gaps and a lack of consensus remain regarding effective methodologies and frameworks for engaging marginalized pediatric populations in CBPR. This scoping review aims to examine studies that explicitly state the use of CBPR to engage marginalized pediatric populations, with a focus on understanding the methodologies employed, effectiveness and identifying key lessons learned.

methodsA comprehensive literature search was conducted across four databases: Ovid MEDLINE, EBM Reviews, APA PsycINFO, and Web of Science. The review followed the Arksey and O’Malley framework and adhered to a protocol developed using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) extension for scoping reviews. Studies were included if they focused on engaging vulnerable and marginalized pediatric populations through CBPR and provided detailed descriptions of their methodologies. Multiple reviewers participated in all stages of the review and data extraction, with descriptive analyses conducted to examine methodological approaches.

resultsOf the 8671 unique studies identified, 46 met the inclusion criteria. Most studies targeted engagement with racial and ethnic minority populations, with few adopting an intersectional approach to define populations of interest or tailor engagement strategies. The majority of studies were conducted in the United States and published within the last 20 years. Common engagement methods included community partnership development, employing focus groups and interviews, convening advisory boards, and electronic participatory techniques, but there was little consistency in how these methods were defined or implemented. Evaluation of the effectiveness of CBPR methods was notably lacking. Researchers also highlighted significant challenges, including historical mistrust, logistical barriers, and limited resources, in engaging marginalized populations.

conclusionsThere is a critical need for more robust and standardized methodologies to engage marginalized pediatric populations in participatory research. We also need ongoing efforts centered on evaluating effectiveness. This review highlights existing gaps and barriers, providing insights to inform future research and the development of evidence-based frameworks for empowering and meaningfully involving marginalized communities in CBPR.