Using community-engaged research in intervention optimization: The Floreciendo project example
Kate Merrill

Dr. Kate Merrill from the University of Illinois Chicago will present on behalf of her team on its use of a community-based participatory research (CBPR) approach to adapt and pilot the Floreciendo intervention. Floreciendo is a sexual and reproductive health program for Latina teens and their female caregivers delivered through community-based organizations in the Chicagoland area. Dr. Merrill’s presentation will share her team’s experience using CBPR since the project's inception, including launching a Community Advisory Council, conducting formative research to inform the intervention components and optimization objective, generating an adapted curriculum, theater testing the intervention components, running a pilot optimization trial, and preparing for a fully powered optimization trial. Her presentation will conclude with recommendations to MOST researchers on incorporating community engagement into their studies.