565 Bridging the gap in health research: the role of Community Researchers

Abstract PTH 8: Miscellaneous 1, B304 (FCSH), September 5, 2025, 11:30 - 12:30 Aim Migrants, ethnic minorities, and people in socio-economically vulnerable situations often face challenges accessing healthcare due to language barriers, institutional mistrust, and cultural disconnection. These same factors limit their inclusion in health research, especially randomized controlled trials (RCTs), where conventional recruitment methods often lack inclusivity. To address this, a community-based RCT in Antwerp, Belgium, engaged community researchers (CRs) with lived experience of healthcare access barriers as data collectors, aiming to foster trust and cultural sensitivity. Methods CRs were recruited in Antwerp based on their shared lived experience with the RCT’s target population. They completed eight preparatory training sessions covering study objectives, ethics in data collection, questionnaire administration, and inclusive recruitment strategies such as personalized letters and direct outreach. A bodymapping workshop was conducted to explore their experiences, allowing CRs to visually and narratively reflect on their motivations, challenges, and roles. Results Preliminary findings indicated that the shared background between CRs and participants fostered trust and openness, helping include groups typically underrepresented in research. However, balancing dual roles as both community members and researchers created emotional and ethical challenges. These included emotional labor stemming from shared experiences and a desire to support participants beyond simply collecting data. CRs also reported feelings of empowerment through their RCT involvement, particularly through gaining new skills and research knowledge. Training and supervision were seen as essential to managing these complexities. Conclusion CRs played a vital role in bridging gaps between marginalized communities and formal health research. Their involvement improved trust and access but also revealed the emotional and ethical complexity of navigating dual roles. These findings underscore the need for inclusive, supportive research practices with an important role for community researchers in advancing health equity.