Negotiating the informed-consent process in developing countries: a comparison of Swaziland and Pakistan

Protecting the rights of research participants when conducting studies within an international context presents many challenges. The purpose of this article was to compare and contrast the process of obtaining informed consent in two very different countries - Swaziland and Pakistan. Major aspects of the informed-consent process presented included identification of gatekeepers, seeking permission from officials, negotiating with these officials and Institutional Review Board (IRB) committees in regard to the type of data to be collected, and explaining informed consent to participants in the field. Data for this article is based upon qualitative research of collaboration between nurses and healers in Swaziland and from a variety of studies completed in Pakistan. These studies demonstrate the inadequacy and complexity of applying western-based concepts of informed consent to developing countries.

Awareness of sexually transmitted diseases in a selected sample in Karachi

INTRODUCTION

Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) are a major public health problem in developing countries (Adler, 1996). The purpose of this study was to asses women's knowledge level about STDs.

METHODOLOGY

A cross sectional survey was done and data collected through a semi-structured interview. A convenient sample of 30 sexually active females between the ages of 15-45 years from an urban community in Karachi was selected for the study.

RESULTS

The survey findings showed that 30% of the women reported that they had adequate knowledge and 20% partial knowledge. Thus almost three-quarters of the respondents indicated either inadequacy or lack of knowledge about STDs.

CONCLUSION

Our results establish a need for STD clinics at Community-based Primary Health Care (PHC) Centers. These clinics need to address screening, treatment and health education issues in relation to STDs for the target population.

All hands against polio

The students and faculty of the Aga Khan University School of Nursing, working in collaboration with other groups and organizations, have made a considerable contribution to Pakistan's polio immunization programme in the area of District Council West and Malir, Karachi. Recommendations for improving the programme are presented on the basis of the experience gained.