Application of community-based participatory research principles: preventing work-related musculoskeletal disorders among female Korean-Chinese migrant workers in Korea

Abstract

The primary purpose of this study was to describe the intervention development process using the National Occupational Research Agenda (NORA) research framework. The intervention was then implemented to prevent work-related musculoskeletal disorders among female Korean-Chinese migrant workers living in Korea. The secondary purpose was to determine how community-based participatory research (CBPR) principles could be applied to the intervention development process. A literature review, a focus group of the target population, key informant interviews, and community committee meetings with the researchers were conducted. Several CBPR principles, including developing community resources and promoting an equitable partnership between the researchers and the migrant community, ensured the appropriateness of the stretching intervention program for the ethnic migrant group, promoting program participation. It is suggested that occupational health nurses consider the CBPR approach in program development for underserved migrant workers.