08/24/2026
We’re excited to share a new publication from CHER's researchers and leadership!
The study, “Feasibility of integrating Cultural Consensus Modeling into community-engaged research: lessons from rural Arizona,” explores how researchers can use Cultural Consensus Modeling alongside community-engaged approaches to better understand health priorities identified by communities themselves.
The team worked with the RCMI Community Expert Board to develop and pilot-test a survey in English and Spanish. Over six months, 261 people from six Arizona counties participated, with support from three regional community partner organizations.
Beyond the survey itself, researchers spoke with community partners about the recruitment process. Their feedback highlighted important lessons for future research, including the need to account for digital literacy, build trust with communities, and use multiple ways of sharing research opportunities and collecting information.
The study demonstrates the value of thoughtfully combining research methods with community knowledge and experience. It also provides practical lessons for researchers working alongside rural, border, and underserved communities.
Access the publication here: https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/public-health/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2026.1741925/full
