摘要：
Participatory research is essential in public health studies, but
using this methodology to examine sensitive public health problems
among vulnerable populations is a challenge. We share some of our
trials and tribulations in attempting to use participatory research
in our substance abuse studies among transnational Mexican migrants
in southeastern Pennsylvania. Major challenges did not permit partnerships
across the community in all phases of research, including the dissemination
of findings. Especially difficult was including transnational migrants
and nearby relatives as partners in the research, similar to partnerships
created with others in the community. The sensitive nature of our
research and associated human subject concerns did not permit a
more participatory methodology. Another problem involved partnerships
with members of the larger community, given the apathy and ambivalence
towards drug use by transnational migrants. Finally, collaborating
with community stakeholders to develop and implement research-based
recommendations was also problematic. As we learned, there are more
to generating substance abuse recommendations in partnership with
stakeholders than simply working together on recommendations, which
also require an effective implementation strategy. Based on these
experiences, we elaborate useful suggestions in development and
application of local-level programs aimed at curtailing substance
abuse among transnational migrant workers while they are at their
work sites in Pennsylvania.
