Promoting Community Co-ownership in Research Dissemination: The Healthy Engaged Lifestyle to Prevent Stroke Study

Abstract: Background: Despite its importance, dissemination of community research to participants is often lacking. This paper describes the dissemination activities of the Healthy Engaged Lifestyle to Prevent Stroke (HELPS) study, which partnered with local African American communities to reduce stroke risk. Methods: Using a community-centered dissemination tool-kit, the HELPS team designed, implemented, and evaluated several methods for academic and community dissemination. This culminated in a community sharing forum to share HELPS study results with participants and their family and friends. Results: Within the community sharing forum, participants shared they found value in learning how to reduce stroke risk and sharing that information with their community. They also reported a desire to share this information beyond the study’s conclusion. Conclusions: Dissemination is essential to sustainable community partnership and promoting trust through true co-ownership of the entire research process. Community-based dissemination strengthens engagement by reinforcing meaning for participants and providing valuable feedback for ongoing community health activities.