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Busisiwe N, Seeley J, Strode A, Parker M. Beyond translations, perspectives for researchers to consider to enhance comprehension during consent processes for health research in sub-saharan Africa: a scoping review. BMC Med Ethics 2023; 24:43. [PMID: 37344810 DOI: 10.1186/s12910-023-00920-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Literature on issues relating to comprehension during the process of obtaining informed consent (IC) has largely focused on the challenges potential participants can face in understanding the IC documents, and the strategies used to enhance comprehension of those documents. In this review, we set out to describe the factors that have an impact on comprehension and the strategies used to enhance the IC process in sub-Saharan African countries. METHODS From November 2021 to January 2022, we conducted a literature search using a PRISMA tool. We searched electronic databases (PubMed, EMBASE, EBSCOHOST) to identify relevant peer reviewed studies. We then reviewed the references of these articles to find additional literature that might have been missed through the initial search. We were particularly interested in full text articles in English that focused on the IC process in SSA published between 2006 and 2020. We included systematic reviews, and studies from Western and Asian countries that included data about SSA. We excluded articles that focused on medical interventions and studies that did not require IC. RESULTS Out of the 50 studies included most were multi-country (n = 13) followed by single country studies in South Africa (n = 12); Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda (n = 5) each; Gambia, Ghana and Nigeria (n = 2)each ; and one each for Botswana, Malawi, Mali, Mozambique. We identified three areas of focus: (1) socio-cultural factors affecting IC; (2) gaps in the ethical and legal frameworks guiding the IC process; and (3) strategies used to improve participants' understanding of IC. CONCLUSION Our review showed wide recognition that the process of achieving IC in SSA is inherently challenging, and there are limitations in the strategies aimed at improving comprehension in IC. We suggest that there is a need for greater flexibility and negotiation with communities to ensure that the approach to IC is suited to the diverse socio-cultural contexts. We propose moving beyond the literal translations and technical language to understanding IC comprehension from the participants' perspectives and the researchers' views, while examining contextual factors that impact the IC process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nkosi Busisiwe
- Africa Health Research Institute, KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa.
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK.
- School of Law, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa.
| | - Janet Seeley
- Africa Health Research Institute, KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
- School of Nursing and Public Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Ann Strode
- School of Law, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa
- South African Research Ethics Training Initiative, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa
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Gondwe MJ, Toto NM, Gunda C, Gmeiner M, MacCormick IJC, Lalloo D, Parker M, Desmond N. Guardians and research staff experiences and views about the consent process in hospital-based paediatric research studies in urban Malawi: A qualitative study. BMC Med Ethics 2022; 23:125. [PMID: 36471294 PMCID: PMC9720930 DOI: 10.1186/s12910-022-00865-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2020] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Obtaining consent has become a standard way of respecting the patient's rights and autonomy in clinical research. Ethical guidelines recommend that the child's parent/s or authorised legal guardian provides informed consent for their child's participation. However, obtaining informed consent in paediatric research is challenging. Parents become vulnerable because of stress related to their child's illness. Understanding the views held by guardians and researchers about the consent process in Malawi, where there are limitations in health care access and research literacy will assist in developing appropriate consent guidelines. METHODS We conducted 20 in-depth interviews with guardians of children and research staff who had participated in paediatric clinical trial and observational studies in acute and non-acute settings in the Southern Region of Malawi. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and thematically analysed. Interviews were compared across studies and settings to identify differences and similarities in participants' views about informed consent processes. Data analysis was facilitated by NVIVO 11 software. RESULTS All participants across study types and settings reported that they associated participating in research with therapeutic benefits. Substantial differences were noted in the decision-making process across study settings. Guardians from acute studies felt that the role of their spouses was neglected during consenting, while staff reported that they had problems obtaining consent from guardians when their partners were not present. Across all study types and settings, research staff reported that they emphasised the benefits more than the risks of the study to participants, due to pressure to recruit. Participants from non-acute settings were more likely to recall information shared during the consent process than participants in the acute setting. CONCLUSION The health care context, culture and research process influenced participants' understanding of study information across study types and settings. We advise research managers or principal investigators to define minimum requirements that would not compromise the consent process and conduct study specific training for staff. The use of one size fits all consent process may not be ideal. More guidance is needed on how these differences can be incorporated during the consent process to improve understanding and delivery of consent. Trial registration Not applicable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mtisunge Joshua Gondwe
- grid.419393.50000 0004 8340 2442Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Programme, Blantyre, Malawi ,grid.48004.380000 0004 1936 9764Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
| | - Neema Mtunthama Toto
- grid.419393.50000 0004 8340 2442Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Programme, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Charity Gunda
- grid.419393.50000 0004 8340 2442Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Programme, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Markus Gmeiner
- grid.10417.330000 0004 0444 9382Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Ian J. C. MacCormick
- grid.419393.50000 0004 8340 2442Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Programme, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - David Lalloo
- grid.48004.380000 0004 1936 9764Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
| | - Michael Parker
- grid.4991.50000 0004 1936 8948The Ethox Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Nicola Desmond
- grid.419393.50000 0004 8340 2442Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Programme, Blantyre, Malawi ,grid.48004.380000 0004 1936 9764Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
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Corneli A, Meagher K, Henderson G, Peay H, Rennie S. How Biomedical HIV Prevention Trials Incorporate Behavioral and Social Sciences Research: A Typology of Approaches. AIDS Behav 2019; 23:2146-2154. [PMID: 30535615 PMCID: PMC6647486 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-018-2358-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
In the field of biomedical HIV prevention, researchers have meaningfully incorporated behavioral and social sciences research (BSSR) into numerous clinical trials, though the timing and degree of integration have been highly variable. The literature offers few frameworks that systematically characterize these collaborations. To fill this gap, we developed a typology of BSSR approaches within biomedical HIV prevention research. Focusing on trials that had safety and/or efficacy endpoints, we identified five approaches for combining BSSR and clinical research: formative, embedded, parallel, explanatory, and implications. We describe each approach and provide illustrative examples. By offering a shared vocabulary for distinguishing the timing and design of collaborative BSSR and clinical research, this typology can facilitate greater transparency in collaborators’ expectations and responsibilities, and help collaborators address challenges likely to be associated with such interdisciplinary research.
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Pan X, Zhang A, Henderson GE, Rennie S, Liu C, Cai W, Wu F, Tucker JD. Traditional, complementary, and alternative medical cures for HIV: rationale and implications for HIV cure research. Glob Public Health 2019; 14:152-160. [PMID: 29237332 PMCID: PMC6092229 DOI: 10.1080/17441692.2017.1413122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Traditional, complementary, and alternative medicine (TCAM) has been used by some people living with HIV (PLHIV) in an attempt to cure HIV. This article reviews the main factors influencing their decision to choose TCAM to cure HIV and discusses implications for HIV cure research. Those who decide to pursue traditional, complementary, and alternative medical cures may be influenced by the health system, cultural, and social dynamics, and their own individual beliefs and preferences. These same factors may impact participation in HIV cure research. People who search for traditional, complementary, and alternative medical cures may face special challenges as they are recruited, consented, and retained within HIV cure research studies. To address these potential challenges, we have suggested solutions focusing on culturally tailored communication and education, formative social science research, and community partnerships with key stakeholders. The social conditions that have promoted traditional, complementary and alternative medical cures will likely impact how PLHIV participate and experience HIV remission trials. Despite the potential challenges, it will be crucial to involve those who have previously sought out traditional cures for HIV in HIV cure research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Pan
- University of North Carolina Project-China, Guangzhou, China
| | - Alice Zhang
- University of North Carolina Project-China, Guangzhou, China
- University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA
| | - Gail E. Henderson
- Department of Social Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, USA
| | - Stuart Rennie
- Department of Social Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, USA
| | - Chuncheng Liu
- University of North Carolina Project-China, Guangzhou, China
| | - Weiping Cai
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Guangzhou Eighth People’s Hospital, Guangzhou, China
| | - Feng Wu
- University of North Carolina Project-China, Guangzhou, China
| | - Joseph D. Tucker
- University of North Carolina Project-China, Guangzhou, China
- Institute for Global Health and Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, USA
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Education Level, Primary Language, and Comprehension of the Informed Consent Process. J Empir Res Hum Res Ethics 2016; 2:69-79. [DOI: 10.1525/jer.2007.2.4.69] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
To obtain information on how persons from diverse backgrounds experience the informed consent process, we surveyed adults with a wide variety of educational levels and different primary languages (English, Spanish, or Vietnamese) who had recently enrolled in a study requiring written informed consent. Of the 100 participants, 62 were non-White, 43 had less than a high school education, and 60 had a primary language other than English. The median score for comprehension was 62% (IQR 50–76%); the median satisfaction score was 86% (IQR 71–100%). In multivariate analysis, only educational level was significantly associated with comprehension and satisfaction with the informed consent process ( p < 0.001). Comprehension and satisfaction with the informed consent process were markedly lower among persons with lower educational levels.
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Abay S, Addissie A, Davey G, Farsides B, Addissie T. Rapid Ethical Assessment on Informed Consent Content and Procedure in Hintalo-Wajirat, Northern Ethiopia: A Qualitative Study. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0157056. [PMID: 27258537 PMCID: PMC4892576 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0157056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2016] [Accepted: 05/24/2016] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Informed consent is a key component of bio-medical research involving human participants. However, obtaining informed consent is challenging in low literacy and resource limited settings. Rapid Ethical Assessment (REA) can be used to contextualize and simplify consent information within a given study community. The current study aimed to explore the effects of social, cultural, and religious factors during informed consent process on a proposed HPV-serotype prevalence study. METHODOLOGY A qualitative community-based REA was conducted in Adigudom and Mynebri Kebeles, Northern Ethiopia, from July to August 2013. Data were collected by a multi-disciplinary team using open ended questions concerning informed consent components in relation to the parent study. The team conducted one-to-one In-Depth Interviews (IDI) and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) with key informants and community members to collect data based on the themes of the study. Tape recorded data were transcribed in Tigrigna and then translated into English. Data were categorized and thematically analyzed using open coding and content analysis based on pre-defined themes. RESULTS The REA study revealed a number of socio-cultural issues relevant to the proposed study. Low community awareness about health research, participant rights and cervical cancer were documented. Giving a vaginal sample for testing was considered to be highly embarrassing, whereas giving a blood sample made participants worry that they might be given a result without the possibility of treatment. Verbal consent was preferred to written consent for the proposed study. CONCLUSION This rapid ethical assessment disclosed important socio-cultural issues which might act as barriers to informed decision making. The findings were important for contextual modification of the Information Sheet, and to guide the best consent process for the proposed study. Both are likely to have enabled participants to understand the informed consent better and consequently to comply with the study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serebe Abay
- Ethiopian Public Health Institution, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Adamu Addissie
- Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Brighton, United Kingdom
- Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Gail Davey
- Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Brighton, United Kingdom
| | - Bobbie Farsides
- Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Brighton, United Kingdom
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Akazili J, Chatio S, Achana FS, Oduro A, Kanmiki EW, Baiden F. Factors influencing willingness to participate in new drug trial studies: a study among parents whose children were recruited into these trials in northern Ghana. BMC Res Notes 2016; 9:139. [PMID: 26936043 PMCID: PMC4776433 DOI: 10.1186/s13104-016-1951-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2015] [Accepted: 02/23/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND During the last decade, the number of clinical trials conducted in sub-Saharan Africa has increased significantly which has helped to address priority health problems in the region. Navrongo health research centre since it was established in 1989, has conducted several trial studies including rectal artesunate trial in the Kassena-Nankana districts. However, there is little evidence-based for assessing the impact of new drug trials. This study explored factors that motivate parents to allow their children to participate in new drug trials in northern Ghana. METHOD The study used both quantitative and qualitative methods. The participants were randomly selected from among parents whose children were enrolled in a new drug trial conducted in the Kassena-Nankana districts between 2000 and 2003. QSR Nvivo 9 software was used to code the qualitative data into themes before analysis while STATA software Version 11.2© was used to analyze the quantitative data. RESULTS The results showed that majority (95.9%) of the parents were willing to allow their children to be enrolled in future new drug trials. The main factors motivating their willingness to allow their children to be enrolled in these trials were quality of health care services offered to trial participants (92.9%), detail medical examination (90.8%), promptness of care provided (94.4%) and quality of drugs (91.9%). Other factors mentioned included disease prevention (99.5%) and improved living standard (96.1%). Parents reported that the conduct of these trials had reduced the frequency of disease occurrences in the communities because of the quality of health care services provided to the children recruited into these trial studies. CONCLUSION Though the implementation of clinical trials in the study area is believed to have positive impact on health status of people particularly trial participants, measures should however be taken to address safety and likely side effects of new drugs given to trial participants during these trial studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Akazili
- Navrongo Health Research Centre, P.O Box 114, Navrongo, Ghana.
| | - Samuel Chatio
- Navrongo Health Research Centre, P.O Box 114, Navrongo, Ghana.
| | | | - Abraham Oduro
- Navrongo Health Research Centre, P.O Box 114, Navrongo, Ghana.
| | | | - Frank Baiden
- Ensign College of Public Health, ER, Kpong, Ghana.
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Rubincam C, Lacombe-Duncan A, Newman PA. Taking culture seriously in biomedical HIV prevention trials: a meta-synthesis of qualitative studies. Expert Rev Vaccines 2015; 15:331-47. [PMID: 26560332 DOI: 10.1586/14760584.2016.1118349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
A substantial gap exists between widespread acknowledgement of the importance of incorporating cultural sensitivity in biomedical HIV prevention trials and empirical evidence to guide the operationalization of cultural sensitivity in these trials. We conducted a systematic literature search and qualitative meta-synthesis to explore how culture is conceptualized and operationalized in global biomedical HIV prevention trials. Across 29 studies, the majority (n = 17) were conducted in resource-limited settings. We identified four overarching themes: (1) semantic cultural sensitivity - challenges in communicating scientific terminology into local vernaculars; (2) instrumental cultural sensitivity - understanding historical experiences to guide tailoring of trial activities; (3) budgetary, logistical, and personnel implications of operationalizing cultural sensitivity; and (4) culture as an asset. Future investigations should address how sociocultural considerations are operationalized across the spectrum of trial preparedness, implementation, and dissemination in particular sociocultural contexts, including intervention studies and evaluations of the effectiveness of methods used to operationalize culturally sensitive practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clara Rubincam
- a Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work , University of Toronto , Toronto , Canada
| | - Ashley Lacombe-Duncan
- a Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work , University of Toronto , Toronto , Canada
| | - Peter A Newman
- a Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work , University of Toronto , Toronto , Canada
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Baiden F, Akazili J, Chatio S, Achana FS, Oduro AR, Ravinetto R, Hodgson A. Should consent forms used in clinical trials be translated into the local dialects? A survey among past participants in rural Ghana. Clin Trials 2015; 13:234-9. [PMID: 26452387 DOI: 10.1177/1740774515609290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Obtaining informed consent is part of the expression of the principle of participant autonomy during clinical trials. It is critical that participants understand the content of informed consent forms and remain in a position to seek independent advice on its content. We conducted a survey among past participants of a clinical trial in the Kassena-Nankana Districts of rural northern Ghana about the usefulness of informed consent forms that are written in the local dialects. The written forms of local dialects are largely undeveloped. METHOD We contacted a randomly selected sample of caregivers whose children were enrolled in a completed clinical trial and interviewed them using a structured questionnaire. Analysis sought to determine participants' preference and whether or not they were likely to find confidants who will be able to read, understand and give advice on the content of the informed consent form to them when they take the informed consent forms home. RESULTS We interviewed 394 caregivers, 88.6% of whom were women. About half (54%) of the respondents wanted the informed consent forms to be in the English language. Caregivers with higher than primary level education were more likely to prefer the informed consent form to be in English than those with no formal education (74% versus 26%, p = 0.04). The majority (85%) indicated that they would be able to find close confidants who would be able to read and explain it to them if it is in English. In contrast, only 8% thought they would be able to do the same if the informed consent form was written in the local language. Respondents were more likely to find close confidants to read and explain the informed consent form if it were written in English than if it were written in the local language (94% versus 19%, p value < 0.01). CONCLUSION The practice of translating informed consent forms into undeveloped local dialects and giving such copies to trial participants to send home needs to be re-evaluated. In populations where the written forms of local dialects are undeveloped and literacy is low, the use of local dialect versions of informed consent forms could ironically enhance the vulnerability of trial participants.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Raffaella Ravinetto
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Abraham Hodgson
- Health Research and Development Division, Ghana Health Service, Accra, Ghana
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Skinner HG, Calancie L, Vu MB, Garcia B, DeMarco M, Patterson C, Ammerman A, Schisler JC. Using community-based participatory research principles to develop more understandable recruitment and informed consent documents in genomic research. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0125466. [PMID: 25938669 PMCID: PMC4418607 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0125466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2014] [Accepted: 03/24/2015] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Heart Healthy Lenoir is a transdisciplinary project aimed at creating long-term, sustainable approaches to reduce cardiovascular disease risk disparities in Lenoir County, North Carolina using a design spanning genomic analysis and clinical intervention. We hypothesized that residents of Lenoir County would be unfamiliar and mistrustful of genomic research, and therefore reluctant to participate; additionally, these feelings would be higher in African-Americans. METHODOLOGY To test our hypothesis, we conducted qualitative research using community-based participatory research principles to ensure our genomic research strategies addressed the needs, priorities, and concerns of the community. African-American (n = 19) and White (n = 16) adults in Lenoir County participated in four focus groups exploring perceptions about genomics and cardiovascular disease. Demographic surveys were administered and a semi-structured interview guide was used to facilitate discussions. The discussions were digitally recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed in ATLAS.ti. RESULTS AND SIGNIFICANCE From our analysis, key themes emerged: transparent communication, privacy, participation incentives and barriers, knowledge, and the impact of knowing. African-Americans were more concerned about privacy and community impact compared to Whites, however, African-Americans were still eager to participate in our genomic research project. The results from our formative study were used to improve the informed consent and recruitment processes by: 1) reducing misconceptions of genomic studies; and 2) helping to foster participant understanding and trust with the researchers. Our study demonstrates how community-based participatory research principles can be used to gain deeper insight into the community and increase participation in genomic research studies. Due in part to these efforts 80.3% of eligible African-American participants and 86.9% of eligible White participants enrolled in the Heart Healthy Lenoir Genomics study making our overall enrollment 57.8% African-American. Future research will investigate return of genomic results in the Lenoir community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harlyn G. Skinner
- Department of Nutrition, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Larissa Calancie
- Department of Nutrition, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Maihan B. Vu
- Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Beverly Garcia
- Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Molly DeMarco
- Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Cam Patterson
- Presbyterian Hospital/Weill-Cornell Medical Center, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Alice Ammerman
- Department of Nutrition, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
- Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Jonathan C. Schisler
- McAllister Heart Institute, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
- Department of Pharmacology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
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Ndebele PM, Wassenaar D, Munalula E, Masiye F. Improving understanding of clinical trial procedures among low literacy populations: an intervention within a microbicide trial in Malawi. BMC Med Ethics 2012; 13:29. [PMID: 23136958 PMCID: PMC3507846 DOI: 10.1186/1472-6939-13-29] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2012] [Accepted: 11/05/2012] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The intervention reported in this paper was a follow up to an empirical study conducted in Malawi with the aim of assessing trial participants’ understanding of randomisation, double-blinding and placebo use. In the empirical study, the majority of respondents (61.1%; n=124) obtained low scores (lower than 75%) on understanding of all three concepts under study. Based on these findings, an intervention based on a narrative which included all three concepts and their personal implications was designed. The narrative used daily examples from the field of Agriculture because Malawi has an agro-based economy. Methods The intervention was tested using a sample of 36 women who had been identified as low scorers during the empirical study. The 36 low scorers were randomly assigned to control (n=18) and intervention arms (n=18). The control arm went through a session in which they were provided with standard informed consent information for the microbicide trial. The intervention arm went through a session in which they were provided with a narrative in ChiChewa, the local language, with the assistance of a power point presentation which included pictures as well as discussions on justification and personal implications of the concepts under study. Results The findings on the efficacy of the intervention suggest that the 3 scientific concepts and their personal implications can be understood by low literacy populations using simple language and everyday local examples. The findings also suggest that the intervention positively impacted on understanding of trial procedures under study, as 13 of the 18 women in the intervention arm, obtained high scores (above 75%) during the post intervention assessment and none of the 18 in the control arm obtained a high score. Using Fischer’s exact test, it was confirmed that the effect of the intervention on understanding of the three procedures was statistically significant (p=0.0001). Conclusions Potential trial participants can be assisted to understand key clinical trial procedures, their justification and personal implications by using innovative tailored local narratives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul M Ndebele
- HJF-DAIDS, NIAID, NIH, 6700A Rockledge Drive Room 42A193, Second Floor, Bethesda, MD 20817, USA.
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Corneli AL, Sorenson JR, Bentley ME, Henderson GE, Bowling JM, Nkhoma J, Moses A, Zulu C, Chilima J, Ahmed Y, Heilig CM, Jamieson DJ, van der Horst C. Improving participant understanding of informed consent in an HIV-prevention clinical trial: a comparison of methods. AIDS Behav 2012; 16:412-21. [PMID: 21656146 PMCID: PMC3923514 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-011-9977-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Empirical research on informed consent has shown that study participants often do not fully understand consent information. This study assessed participant understanding of three mock consent approaches describing an HIV-prevention clinical trial in Lilongwe, Malawi prior to trial implementation. Pregnant women (n = 297) were systematically selected from antenatal-care waiting lines and sequentially allocated to receive an enhanced standard consent form (group 1), a context-specific consent form (group 2), or context-specific counseling cards (group 3). Understanding of research concepts and study procedures was assessed immediately postintervention and at 1-week follow-up. At postintervention, participants in groups 2 and 3 understood more about research concepts and study procedures compared with group 1. Group 3 participants also understood more about study procedures compared with group 2. At follow-up, participants in groups 2 and 3 continued to understand more about research concepts and study procedures. Context-specific approaches improved understanding of consent information in this study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy L Corneli
- Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, USA.
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Boga M, Davies A, Kamuya D, Kinyanjui SM, Kivaya E, Kombe F, Lang T, Marsh V, Mbete B, Mlamba A, Molyneux S, Mulupi S, Mwalukore S. Strengthening the informed consent process in international health research through community engagement: The KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme Experience. PLoS Med 2011; 8:e1001089. [PMID: 21931539 PMCID: PMC3172253 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pmed.1001089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Samson Muchina Kinyanjui and colleagues from the KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme discuss how they modified their informed consent processes by taking into account local social, cultural, and economic contexts in the design and administration of consent forms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mwanamvua Boga
- Consent and Communication Committee, KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
| | - Alun Davies
- Consent and Communication Committee, KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
| | - Dorcas Kamuya
- Consent and Communication Committee, KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
| | - Samson M. Kinyanjui
- Consent and Communication Committee, KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, Oxford University, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Ester Kivaya
- Consent and Communication Committee, KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
| | - Francis Kombe
- Consent and Communication Committee, KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
| | - Trudie Lang
- Consent and Communication Committee, KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, Oxford University, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Vicki Marsh
- Consent and Communication Committee, KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, Oxford University, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Bibi Mbete
- Consent and Communication Committee, KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
| | - Albert Mlamba
- Consent and Communication Committee, KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
| | - Sassy Molyneux
- Consent and Communication Committee, KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, Oxford University, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Stephen Mulupi
- Consent and Communication Committee, KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
| | - Salim Mwalukore
- Consent and Communication Committee, KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
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14
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Anderson EE, Sieber JE. The need for evidence-based research ethics. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF BIOETHICS : AJOB 2009; 9:60-62. [PMID: 19882464 DOI: 10.1080/15265160903234060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Emily E Anderson
- University of Illinois at Chicago, Institute for Health Research and Policy, 1747 West Roosevelt Road, MC 275, Chicago, IL 60608, USA.
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15
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Anderson EE, Iltis AS. Assessing and Improving Research Participants' Understanding of Risk: Potential Lessons from the Literature on Physician-Patient Risk Communication. J Empir Res Hum Res Ethics 2008; 3:27-37. [DOI: 10.1525/jer.2008.3.3.27] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Evidence that lay people frequently misinterpret risk raises concerns for the ethical conduct of human research, which requires adequate disclosure, understanding, and appreciation of risk information. Review of the risk communication research literature suggests new directions for empirical research on human research ethics: Investigation is needed on how to best assess and improve potential and enrolled subjects' understanding of risk information. Preferences regarding the presentation of risk information and the effects of alternative presentation formats and decision aids on knowledge, trust, satisfaction, risk/benefit analysis, and perceptions of respectful treatment should be studied. Research is also needed on the effects of payment for research participation, the order in which study information is presented, and having one's own physician present risk information.
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16
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Sieber JE. When academicians collaborate with community agencies in effectiveness research. CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY-SCIENCE AND PRACTICE 2008. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1468-2850.2008.00122.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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17
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Henderson GE, Corneli AL, Mahoney DB, Nelson DK, Mwansambo C. Applying research ethics guidelines: the view from a sub-saharan research ethics committee. J Empir Res Hum Res Ethics 2007; 2:41-8. [PMID: 19385794 PMCID: PMC3140059 DOI: 10.1525/jer.2007.2.2.41] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
CONSIDERABLE VARIATION HAS BEEN demonstrated in applying regulations across research ethics committees (RECs) in the U.S., U.K., and European nations. With the rise of international research collaborations, RECs in developing countries apply a variety of international regulations. We conducted a qualitative descriptive pilot study with members of the national REC in Malawi to determine criteria they use to review research, and their views on international collaborations. Qualitative content analysis demonstrated that international guidelines are interpreted in light of local African conditions such that emphasis is placed on examining benefit to the community and ensuring the informed consent process translates concepts in locally-meaningful ways. Members suggest that RECs often must comply with regulations that do not fit local conditions. Recommendations are provided for improving such international collaborations.
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