Community engagement to address cancer health disparities: A process evaluation using the partnership self-assessment tool

Background: African Americans suffer disproportionately from cancer health disparities, and population-level prevention is needed. Objectives: A community–academic partnership to address cancer health disparities in two predominately African American jurisdictions in Maryland was evaluated. Methods: The Partnership Self-Assessment Tool (PSAT) was used in a process evaluation to assess the partnership in eight domains (partnership synergy, leadership, efficiency, management, resources, decision making, participation, and satisfaction). Results: Mean scores in each domain were high, indicative of a functional and synergistic partnership. However, scores for decision making (Baltimore City’s mean score = 9.3; Prince George’s County’s mean score = 10.8; p = .02) and participation (Baltimore City’s mean score = 16.0; Prince George’s County’s mean score = 18.0; p = .04) were significantly lower in Baltimore City. Conclusions: Community–academic partnerships are promising approaches to help address cancer health disparities in African American communities. Factors that influence decision making and participation within partnerships require further research.