In a province-wide survey, researchers found that organizations serving both urban and rural areas had too many competing demands to participate in community-based research projects, often lacking funding and staff resources for such initiatives.

“Ironically, the organizations serving both urban and rural areas are often the only resources in a large geographical area for those living with HIV/AIDS,” says study lead author Sarah Flicker, a professor in York’s Faculty of Environmental Studies. “They’re simply spread too thin for research projects. But research is so important – it’s what allows you to understand the community you’re serving,” she says.

The study, “Community-based research in AIDS-service organizations: what helps and what doesn't?” surveyed executive directors and community-based research coordinators of AIDS service organizations across Ontario. It queried four major areas: organizational demographics, research activities, barriers and facilitators to community-based research, and the role stakeholders play in such initiatives.

It found that 80% of organizations in Ontario were involved in at least one community-based research project in the past five years, with funding and organizational resources the most commonly cited barriers to participation.

Organizations indicated a need to broaden the types of funding available, in order to accommodate start-ups, staff and research assistant training and development, capacity building, and planning.

Another concern was the apparent disconnect between research and real-world impact.

“Organizations are saying they need to develop mechanisms to give community members a stake in research,” Flicker says. “It’s clear there are real barriers preventing individuals living with HIV from taking leaderships roles in research. We need to finds ways to address that.”

The study appears in the January issue of AIDS Research. Co-authors include researchers from McMaster University, the Ontario HIV Treatment Network, Womens College Hospital, the University of Ontario Institute of Technology, and the University of Toronto.

Media contact:

Melissa Hughes, Media Relations, York University: 416 736 2100 x22097, mehughes@yorku.ca

York University is the leading interdisciplinary research and teaching university in Canada. York offers a modern, academic experience at the undergraduate and graduate level in Toronto, Canada’s most international city. The third largest university in the country, York is host to a dynamic academic community of 50,000 students and 7,000 faculty and staff, as well as more than 200,000 alumni worldwide. York’s 11 faculties and 26 research centres conduct ambitious, groundbreaking research that is interdisciplinary, cutting across traditional academic boundaries. This distinctive and collaborative approach is preparing students for the future and bringing fresh insights and solutions to real-world challenges. York University is an autonomous, not-for-profit corporation.

-30-