Community-based participatory research as a process of engagement with underserved groups at risk of viral hepatitis in HCMC, Vietnam

Background Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a significant global health concern that disproportionately affects certain populations, such as people who inject drugs (PWID) and men who have sex with men (MSM). Disparity in access to health services can result in them being ‘underserved’. Methods We utilized a community-based participatory research approach to engage underserved communities at risk of HCV in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam to explore the obstacles they face in accessing healthcare and to generate community-led solutions. Through the CBPR process, we identified locally relevant research questions and conducted community-based research, including community-led data collection, analysis, and then designed and implemented solutions. Results We engaged 27 members from three underserved groups, including MSM and transgender people, PWID, and communities with limited financial resources. Collectively they identified financial burdens, insufficient information about HCV treatment, and a lack of awareness of the severity of HCV as the primary issues faced by their communities. The groups generated solutions to address the issues, such as short educational videos, HCV awareness sessions, and a stakeholder dissemination meeting. There was significant interest and participation from the community groups to identify and implement locally driven solutions to issues around HCV care. The capacity for engagement varied among the different groups, for example, the MSM group had more agency to conduct research and act upon it, whereas those with limited financial resources had more barriers that limited participation. Discussion Addressing community health issues requires an integration of community-driven initiatives with more traditional academic research. The CBPR approach facilitated a comprehensive assessment, the implementation of context-specific interventions, and engagement with and empowering of communities related to care seeking. The CBPR process required capacity-building activities, a flexible timeframe, patience, and the creation of opportunities for the community to exercise self-determination, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.