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Aryal A, Garcia FB, Scheitler AJ, Faraon EJA, Moncatar TJRT, Saniel OP, Lorenzo FME, Rosadia RAF, Shimkhada R, Macinko J, Ponce NA. Evolving academic and research partnerships in global health: a capacity-building partnership to assess primary healthcare in the Philippines. Glob Health Action 2023; 16:2216069. [PMID: 37249029 PMCID: PMC10231040 DOI: 10.1080/16549716.2023.2216069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Building fair, equitable, and beneficial partnerships between institutions collaborating in research in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) and high-income countries (HIC) has become an integral part of research capacity building in global health in recent years. In this paper, we offer an example of an academic collaboration between the University of California Los Angeles, Center for Health Policy and Research (UCLA CHPR) and the University of Philippines, Manila, College of Public Health (UPM CPH) that sought to build an equitable partnership between research institutions. The partnership was built on a project to build capacity for research and produce data for policy action for the prevention and care of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) through primary healthcare in the Philippines. The specific objectives of the project were to: (1) locally adapt the Primary Care Assessment Tool for the Philippines and use the adapted tool to measure facility-level primary care delivery, (2) conduct focus group discussions (FGDs) to gather qualitative observations regarding primary care readiness and capacity, and (3) conduct a comprehensive population-based health survey among adults on NCDs and prior healthcare experience. We describe here the progression of the partnership between these institutions to carry out the project and the elements that helped build a stronger connection between the institutions, such as mutual goal setting, cultural bridging, collaborative teams, and capacity building. This example, which can be used as a model depicting new directionality and opportunities for LMIC-HIC academic partnerships, was written based on the review of shared project documents, including study protocols, and written and oral communications with the project team members, including the primary investigators. The innovation of this partnership includes: LMIC-initiated project need identification, LMIC-based funding allocation, a capacity-building role of the HIC institution, and the expansion of scope through jointly offered courses on global health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anu Aryal
- Center for Health Policy and Research, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Fernando B. Garcia
- Department of Health Policy and Administration, College of Public Health, University of the Philippines Manila, Manila, Philippines
| | - A. J. Scheitler
- Center for Health Policy and Research, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Emerito Jose A. Faraon
- Department of Health Policy and Administration, College of Public Health, University of the Philippines Manila, Manila, Philippines
| | - T. J. Robinson T. Moncatar
- Department of Health Policy and Administration, College of Public Health, University of the Philippines Manila, Manila, Philippines
| | - Ofelia P. Saniel
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, College of Public Health, University of the Philippines Manila, Manila, Philippines
| | - Fely Marilyn E. Lorenzo
- Department of Health Policy and Administration, College of Public Health, University of the Philippines Manila, Manila, Philippines
| | - Roberto Antonio F. Rosadia
- Department of Health Policy and Administration, College of Public Health, University of the Philippines Manila, Manila, Philippines
| | - Riti Shimkhada
- Center for Health Policy and Research, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - James Macinko
- Center for Health Policy and Research, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Ninez A. Ponce
- Center for Health Policy and Research, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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Karimi F, Vicente-Crespo M, Ndwiga M, Njenga N, Karoki R, Fonn S. Resilience of research capacity strengthening initiatives in Africa during crises: the case of CARTA during COVID. Glob Health Action 2023; 16:2240153. [PMID: 37560811 PMCID: PMC10416737 DOI: 10.1080/16549716.2023.2240153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Several research capacity strengthening (RCS) initiatives have been established in Africa over the past decade. One such initiative is the Consortium for Advanced Research Training in Africa (CARTA) that has gained traction over the years and has been proven as an effective multidisciplinary approach to strengthen research capacity to address public and population health in Africa. Objectives: In this article, we document the experiences and management-related interventions that cushioned the CARTA programme and enabled it to remain resilient during the COVID pandemic. We further make recommendations on the enablers of resilience and optimal performance of such RCS initiatives during crises and beyond. Methods: We used routine information gathered by the CARTA secretariat from consortium correspondence, meeting minutes, reports and other related documents produced in the year 2020 in order to consolidate the experiences and interventions taken by the programme at programmatic, institutional and fellowship levels. Results: We identified a series of management-related cyclic phases that CARTA went through during the pandemic period, which included immobilisation, reflection, brainstorming, decision-making, intervening and recovery. We further identified strategic management-related interventions that contributed to the resilience of the programme during the pandemic including assessment and monitoring, communication management, policy and resource management, making investments and execution. Moreover, we observed that the strength of the leadership and management of CARTA, coupled with the consortium´s culture of collaboration, mutual trust, respect, openness, transparency, equitability, ownership, commitment and accountability, all contributed to its success during the pandemic period. Conclusion: We conclude that RCS initiatives undergo a series of phases during crises and that they need to promptly adopt and adapt appropriate management-related strategic interventions in order to remain resilient during such periods. This can be significantly realised if RCS initiatives build a culture of trust, commitment and joint ownership, and if they invest in strong management capacity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florah Karimi
- Division of Research and Related Capacity Strengthening, African Population and Health Research Center, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Marta Vicente-Crespo
- Division of Research and Related Capacity Strengthening, African Population and Health Research Center, Nairobi, Kenya
- School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Mercy Ndwiga
- Division of Research and Related Capacity Strengthening, African Population and Health Research Center, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Naomi Njenga
- Division of Research and Related Capacity Strengthening, African Population and Health Research Center, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Rita Karoki
- Division of Research and Related Capacity Strengthening, African Population and Health Research Center, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Sharon Fonn
- School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- School of Public Health and Community Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
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Hawcroft C, Rossi E, Tilouche N, d'Oliveira AF, Bacchus LJ. Engaging early career researchers in a global health research capacity-strengthening programme: a qualitative study. Health Res Policy Syst 2023; 21:19. [PMID: 36927776 PMCID: PMC10018921 DOI: 10.1186/s12961-022-00949-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Research capacity-strengthening is recognized as an important component of global health partnership working, and as such merits monitoring and evaluation. Early career researchers are often the recipients of research capacity-strengthening programmes, but there is limited literature regarding their experience. METHODS We conducted a qualitative study as part of an internal evaluation of the capacity-strengthening programme of the international HERA (HEalthcare Responding to violence and Abuse) research group. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with group members, and thematic analysis was undertaken. RESULTS Eighteen group members participated; nine of these were early career researchers, and nine were other research team members, including mid-career and senior researchers. Key themes were identified which related to their engagement with and experience of a research capacity-strengthening programme. We explored formal/planned elements of our programme: mentoring and supervision; training and other opportunities; funding and resources. Participants also discussed informal/unplanned elements which acted as important facilitators and/or barriers to engaging with research capacity-strengthening: English language; open relationships and communication; connection and disconnection; and diversity. The sustainability of the programme was also discussed. CONCLUSIONS Our study gives voice to the early career researcher experience of engaging with a research capacity-strengthening programme in a global health group. We highlight some important elements that have informed adaptations to our programme and may be relevant for consideration by other global health research capacity-strengthening programmes. Our findings contribute to the growing literature and important discussions around research capacity-strengthening and how this relates to the future directions of global health partnership working.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire Hawcroft
- Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, 5 Tyndall Ave, Bristol, BS8 1UD, United Kingdom.
| | - Evelina Rossi
- Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London, WC1E 7HT, United Kingdom
| | - Nerissa Tilouche
- Department of Public Health, Environments and Society, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London, WC1E 7HT, United Kingdom
| | - Ana Flavia d'Oliveira
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Sao Paulo, Av. Dr. Arnaldo, 455, São Paulo, SP, 01246-903, Brazil
| | - Loraine J Bacchus
- Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London, WC1E 7HT, United Kingdom
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Thelwall M. Are successful co-authors more important than first authors for publishing academic journal articles? Scientometrics 2023. [DOI: 10.1007/s11192-023-04663-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/03/2023]
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Abstract
Leafy vegetables promote reparation of energy loss due to oxidative stress, and they have the potential to alleviate hunger and malnutrition as well as other forms of metabolic imbalance ravaging the world. However, these vegetables are underutilized, despite the fact that they harbor essential minerals needed for critical cellular activities. As amaranth is one of the earliest vegetables reputed for its high nutraceutical and therapeutic value, in this study, we explored research on the Amaranthus species, and identified areas with knowledge gaps, to harness the various biological and economic potentials of the species. Relevant published documents on the plant were retrieved from the Science Citation Index Expanded accessed through the Web of Science from 2011 to 2020; while RStudio and VOSviewer were used for data analysis and visualization, respectively. Publications over the past decade (dominated by researchers from the USA, India, and China, with a collaboration index of 3.22) showed that Amaranthus research experienced steady growth. Findings from the study revealed the importance of the research and knowledge gaps in the underutilization of the vegetable. This could be helpful in identifying prominent researchers who can be supported by government funds, to address the malnutrition problem in developing countries throughout the world.
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Ndejjo R, Ssemugabo C, Osuret J, Zziwa EB, Fonn S, Alfvén T, Mukanga D, Khayesi M, Wanyenze RK. Positioning Africa's public health doctoral students to lead societal transformation and development. BMJ Glob Health 2022; 7:bmjgh-2021-007996. [PMID: 35168932 PMCID: PMC8852658 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2021-007996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The public health context is becoming increasingly more complex requiring highly trained professionals equipped with knowledge, competencies and tools to address or transform current and future challenges. Doctoral degree training offers an opportunity to build the capacity to detect and respond to such dynamic health challenges. In this paper, we discuss how Africa's public health doctoral students can be better positioned for the different career pathways to provide leadership on complex health and development challenges. Public health PhD graduates can take up careers in academia, civil service, private sector and civil society, among others. To thrive in these pathways, PhD training should equip them with knowledge, skills and competencies in leadership, creativity and social competence among others. To produce career-ready PhD graduates, there is need to rethink training curricula to build critical skills for diverse career pathways, introduce students to entrepreneurship, and enhance linkages between universities and industry. Experiential learning, exposure to networks and partnerships, postdoctoral programmes and mentorship and exchange programmes can further equip PhD students with key knowledge, skills and competencies. For students to position themselves for the different careers, they ought to plan their careers early, albeit with flexibility. Students should build their soft skills and embrace technology among other transferable competencies. By identifying potential career pathways and being positioned for these early, Africa can produce transformative PhD students on a path for success not just for themselves but for society at large, including in new environments such as that created by COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rawlance Ndejjo
- Department of Disease Control and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda .,Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Health, a Collaboration Between Makerere University and Karolinska Institutet, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Charles Ssemugabo
- Department of Disease Control and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Jimmy Osuret
- Department of Disease Control and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Esther Bayiga Zziwa
- Department of Disease Control and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Sharon Fonn
- School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Tobias Alfvén
- Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Health, a Collaboration Between Makerere University and Karolinksa Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Sachs' Children and Youth Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - David Mukanga
- Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Meleckidzedeck Khayesi
- Injuries and Violence Prevention Department, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Rhoda K Wanyenze
- Department of Disease Control and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda.,Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Health, a Collaboration Between Makerere University and Karolinska Institutet, Kampala, Uganda
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Ajayi AI, Otukpa EO, Mwoka M, Kabiru CW, Ushie BA. Adolescent sexual and reproductive health research in sub-Saharan Africa: a scoping review of substantive focus, research volume, geographic distribution and Africa-led inquiry. BMJ Glob Health 2021; 6:bmjgh-2020-004129. [PMID: 33568395 PMCID: PMC7878134 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2020-004129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2020] [Revised: 01/18/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous review studies have not systematically mapped the existing body of knowledge on adolescent sexual and reproductive health (ASRH) in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Our scoping review addresses this gap by examining how the body of research on ASRH in SSA has evolved over the past decade, and its present profile, in terms of trends in volume, geographic and substantive focus, and Africa-led inquiry. METHODS We used a three-step search strategy to identify English and French peer-reviewed publications and relevant grey literature on ASRH in SSA published between January 2010 and December 2019. Two reviewers screened the titles, abstracts and full texts of publications for eligibility and inclusion. RESULTS A total of 1302 articles were published over the period, rising from 91 in 2010 to 183 in 2015. However, the bulk of the studies (63.9%) focused on six (South Africa, Kenya, Nigeria, Tanzania, Uganda and Ethiopia) of the 46 SSA countries. Ten countries had no ASRH papers, while five others each had only one publication. While issues like HIV (17.2%), sexual behaviours (17.4%) and access to sexual and reproductive health services (13.0%) received substantial attention, only a few studies focused on early adolescence (10-14 years), programme interventions, scaling up of interventions and policy evaluation. Just over half of publications had authors with African institutional affiliations as first authors (51.1%) or last author (53.0%). Sixteen per cent of papers did not include any authors from institutions in Africa. CONCLUSIONS Our review demonstrated that research on ASRH is limited in focus and is unevenly distributed across SSA countries. The identified gaps can guide future research and funding to advance ASRH policies and programmes. It is also vital for stakeholders in the research enterprise, including researchers, donors, ethical review boards, and journal editors and reviewers, to implement measures that foster national investigators' inclusion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony Idowu Ajayi
- Population Dynamics and Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights Unit, African Population and Health Research Center, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Emmanuel Oloche Otukpa
- Population Dynamics and Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights Unit, African Population and Health Research Center, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Meggie Mwoka
- Population Dynamics and Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights Unit, African Population and Health Research Center, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Caroline W Kabiru
- Population Dynamics and Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights Unit, African Population and Health Research Center, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Boniface Ayanbekongshie Ushie
- Population Dynamics and Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights Unit, African Population and Health Research Center, Nairobi, Kenya
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Vicente-Crespo M, Agunbiade O, Eyers J, Thorogood M, Fonn S. Institutionalizing research capacity strengthening in LMICs: A systematic review and meta-synthesis. AAS Open Res 2021; 3:43. [PMID: 33215062 PMCID: PMC7653640 DOI: 10.12688/aasopenres.13116.3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Evidence on effective strategies to ensure sustainability of research capacity strengthening interventions in low- and middle-income country (LMIC) institutions is lacking. This systematic review identified publications describing research capacity building programs and noted their effect, their contexts, and the mechanisms, processes and social actors employed in them. Methods: We searched online databases for the period 2011-2018. Inclusion criteria were that the publications 1) described the intervention; 2) were implemented in LMICs; 3) were based in, or relevant to, university staff or post docs; 4) aimed to improve research capacity; 5) aimed to effect change at the institutional level. Two reviewers screened titles, abstracts and full text in consecutive rounds, a third resolved disagreements. Two people extracted the data of each full text using a data extraction tool covering data relevant to our question. Results: In total 4052 citations were identified and 19 papers were included, which referred to 14 interventions. Only three interventions mentioned using a conceptual framework to develop their approach and none described using a theory of change to assess outcomes. The most frequent inputs described were some method of formal training, promotion of a research-conducive environment and establishment of research support systems. A range of outcomes were reported, most frequently an increased number of publications and proportion of staff with PhDs. When factors of success were discussed, this was attributed to a rigorous approach to implementation, adequate funding, and local buy-in. Those who mentioned sustainability linked it to availability of funds and local buy-in. The lack of a common lexicon and a framework against which to report outcomes made comparison between initiatives difficult. Conclusions: The reduced number of interventions that met the inclusion criteria suggests that programs should be well-described, evaluated systematically, and findings published so that the research capacity strengthening community can extract important lessons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Vicente-Crespo
- African Population and Health Research Center, African Population and Health Research Center Campus, Nairobi, Kenya
- School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Ojo Agunbiade
- Sociology and Anthropology, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, Osun State, Nigeria
| | - John Eyers
- International Initiative for Impact Evaluation, London, UK
| | | | - Sharon Fonn
- School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
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Igumbor JO, Bosire EN, Karimi F, Katahoire A, Allison J, Muula AS, Peixoto A, Otwombe K, Gitau E, Bondjers G, Fonn S, Ajuwon A. Effective supervision of doctoral students in public and population health in Africa: CARTA supervisors' experiences, challenges and perceived opportunities. Glob Public Health 2020; 17:496-511. [PMID: 33351732 DOI: 10.1080/17441692.2020.1864752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
The quality and success of postgraduate education largely rely on effective supervision. Since its inception in 2008, the Consortium for Advanced Research Training in Africa (CARTA) has been at the forefront of providing training to both students and supervisors in the field of public and population health. However, there are few studies on supervisors' perceptions on effective doctoral supervision. We used a mostly descriptive study design to report CARTA-affiliated doctoral supervisors' reflections and perceptions on doctoral supervision, challenges and opportunities. A total of 77 out of 160 CARTA supervisors' workshop participants responded to the evaluation. The respondents were affiliated with 10 institutions across Africa. The respondents remarked that effective supervision is a two-way process, involving both supervisor and supervisee's commitment. Some reported that the requirements for effective supervision included the calibre of the PhD students, structure of the PhD programme, access to research infrastructure and resources, supervision training, multidisciplinary exposure and support. Male supervisors have significantly higher number of self-reported PhD graduates and published articles on Scopus but no difference from the females in h-index. We note both student and systemic challenges that training institutions may pursue to improve doctoral supervision in Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jude O Igumbor
- School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Edna N Bosire
- South African Medical Research Council Developmental Pathways for Health Research Unit, University of the Witwatersrand, Faculty of Health Sciences, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Florah Karimi
- African Population and Health Research Centre, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Anne Katahoire
- Child Health and Development Centre, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Jill Allison
- Division of Community Health, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. Johns, Canada
| | - Adamson S Muula
- Department of Public Health, University of Malawi, College of Medicine, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Anna Peixoto
- Department of Sociology and Work Science, Gothenburg University, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Kennedy Otwombe
- Perinatal HIV Research Unit, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Evelyn Gitau
- African Population and Health Research Centre, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Goran Bondjers
- Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Sharon Fonn
- School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Ademola Ajuwon
- Department of Health Promotion and Education, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
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Vicente-Crespo M, Agunbiade O, Eyers J, Thorogood M, Fonn S. Institutionalizing research capacity strengthening in LMICs: A systematic review and meta-synthesis. AAS Open Res 2020; 3:43. [PMID: 33215062 PMCID: PMC7653640 DOI: 10.12688/aasopenres.13116.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/20/2020] [Indexed: 09/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Evidence on effective strategies to ensure sustainability of research capacity strengthening interventions in low- and middle-income country (LMIC) institutions is lacking. This systematic review identified publications describing research capacity building programs and noted their effect, their contexts, and the mechanisms, processes and social actors employed in them. Methods: We searched online databases for the period 2011-2018. Inclusion criteria were that the publications 1) described the intervention; 2) were implemented in LMICs; 3) were based in, or relevant to, university staff or post docs; 4) aimed to improve research capacity; 5) aimed to effect change at the institutional level. Two reviewers screened titles, abstracts and full text in consecutive rounds, a third resolved disagreements. Two people extracted the data of each full text using a data extraction tool covering data relevant to our question. Results: In total 4052 citations were identified and 19 papers were included, which referred to 14 interventions. Only three interventions mentioned using a conceptual framework to develop their approach and none described using a theory of change to assess outcomes. The most frequent inputs described were some method of formal training, promotion of a research-conducive environment and establishment of research support systems. A range of outcomes were reported, most frequently an increased number of publications and proportion of staff with PhDs. When factors of success were discussed, this was attributed to a rigorous approach to implementation, adequate funding, and local buy-in. Those who mentioned sustainability linked it to availability of funds and local buy-in. The lack of a common lexicon and a framework against which to report outcomes made comparison between initiatives difficult. Conclusions: The reduced number of interventions that met the inclusion criteria suggests that programs should be well-described, evaluated systematically, and findings published so that the research capacity strengthening community can extract important lessons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Vicente-Crespo
- African Population and Health Research Center, African Population and Health Research Center Campus, Nairobi, Kenya
- School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Ojo Agunbiade
- Sociology and Anthropology, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, Osun State, Nigeria
| | - John Eyers
- International Initiative for Impact Evaluation, London, UK
| | | | - Sharon Fonn
- School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
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Vicente-Crespo M, Agunbiade O, Eyers J, Thorogood M, Fonn S. Institutionalizing research capacity strengthening in LMICs: A systematic review and meta-synthesis. AAS Open Res 2020; 3:43. [PMID: 33215062 PMCID: PMC7653640 DOI: 10.12688/aasopenres.13116.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/02/2020] [Indexed: 09/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Evidence on effective strategies to ensure sustainability of research capacity strengthening interventions in low- and middle-income country (LMIC) institutions is lacking. This systematic review identified publications describing research capacity building programs and noted their effect, their contexts, and the mechanisms, processes and social actors employed in them. Methods: We searched online databases for the period 2011-2018. Inclusion criteria were that the publications 1) described the intervention; 2) were implemented in LMICs; 3) were based in, or relevant to, university staff or post docs; 4) aimed to improve research capacity; 5) aimed to effect change at the institutional level. Two reviewers screened titles, abstracts and full text in consecutive rounds, a third resolved disagreements. Two people extracted the data of each full text using a data extraction tool covering data relevant to our question. Results: In total 4052 citations were identified and 19 papers were included, which referred to 14 interventions. Only three interventions mentioned using a conceptual framework to develop their approach and none described using a theory of change to assess outcomes. The most frequent inputs described were some method of formal training, promotion of a research-conducive environment and establishment of research support systems. A range of outcomes were reported, most frequently an increased number of publications and proportion of staff with PhDs. When factors of success were discussed, this was attributed to a rigorous approach to implementation, adequate funding, and local buy-in. Those who mentioned sustainability linked it to availability of funds and local buy-in. The lack of a common lexicon and a framework against which to report outcomes made comparison between initiatives difficult. Conclusions: The reduced number of interventions that met the inclusion criteria suggests that programs should be well-described, evaluated systematically, and findings published so that the research capacity strengthening community can extract important lessons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Vicente-Crespo
- African Population and Health Research Center, African Population and Health Research Center Campus, Nairobi, Kenya
- School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Ojo Agunbiade
- Sociology and Anthropology, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, Osun State, Nigeria
| | - John Eyers
- International Initiative for Impact Evaluation, London, UK
| | | | - Sharon Fonn
- School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
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