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García-Álvarez JM, García-Sánchez A. Readability and Comprehension of Anesthesia Informed Consent Forms in a Spanish County Hospital: An Observational Study. NURSING REPORTS 2024; 14:1338-1352. [PMID: 38921711 PMCID: PMC11206610 DOI: 10.3390/nursrep14020101] [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: 03/19/2024] [Revised: 05/18/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: The wording of informed consent forms could hinder their comprehension and hinder patients' autonomous choice. The objective of this study was to analyze the readability and comprehension of anesthesia informed consent forms in a Spanish county hospital. (2) Methods: Descriptive and cross-sectional study carried out on patients who were going to undergo anesthetic techniques. The readability of the forms was analyzed using the INFLESZ tool and their subjective comprehension using an ad hoc questionnaire. (3) Results: The analyzed forms presented a "somewhat difficult" legibility. A total of 44.2% of the patients decided not to read the form, mainly because they had previously undergone surgery with the same anesthetic technique. The language used in the forms was considered inadequate by 49.5% of the patients and 53.3% did not comprehend it in its entirety. A statistically significant negative correlation of age and INFLESZ readability score with the overall questionnaire score was found. A statistically significant association was observed as a function of age and educational level with the different criteria of the questionnaire. (4) Conclusions: The anesthesia informed consent forms presented low readability with limited comprehension. It would be necessary to improve their wording to favor comprehension and to guarantee patients' freedom of choice.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alfonso García-Sánchez
- Faculty of Nursing, Catholic University of Murcia (UCAM), Guadalupe, 30107 Murcia, Spain;
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2
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Appiah R, Raviola G, Weobong B. Balancing Ethics and Culture: A Scoping Review of Ethico-Cultural and Implementation Challenges of the Individual-Based Consent Model in African Research. J Empir Res Hum Res Ethics 2024:15562646241237669. [PMID: 38497301 DOI: 10.1177/15562646241237669] [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: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
Objective: This review explores the ethico-cultural and implementation challenges associated with the individual-based informed consent (IC) model in the relatively collectivistic African context and examines suggested approaches to manage them. Methods: We searched four databases for peer-reviewed studies published in English between 2000 to 2023 that examined the ethico-cultural and implementation challenges associated with the IC model in Africa. Results: Findings suggest that the individual-based IC model largely misaligns with certain African social values and ethos and subverts the authority and functions of community gatekeepers. Three recommendations were proffered to manage these challenges, that researchers should: adopt a multi-step approach to IC, conduct a rapid ethical assessment, and generate an African-centered IC model. Conclusions: A pluriversal, context-specific, multi-step IC model that critically harmonizes the cultural values of the local population and the general principles of IC can minimize ethics dumping, safeguard the integrity of the research process, and promote respectful engagement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Appiah
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
- Center for African Studies, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
- Department of Psychology, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Giuseppe Raviola
- Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Benedict Weobong
- College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
- School of Global Health, Faculty of Health, York University, Toronto, ON, Canada
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3
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Iseselo MK, Tarimo EAM. Comprehension of informed consent and voluntary participation in registration cohorts for phase IIb HIV vaccine trial in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania: a qualitative descriptive study. BMC Med Ethics 2024; 25:29. [PMID: 38481301 PMCID: PMC10935914 DOI: 10.1186/s12910-024-01033-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Informed consent as stipulated in regulatory human research guidelines requires volunteers to be well-informed about what will happen to them in a trial. However, researchers may be faced with the challenge of how to ensure that a volunteer agreeing to take part in a clinical trial is truly informed. This study aimed to find out volunteers' comprehension of informed consent and voluntary participation in Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) clinical trials during the registration cohort. METHODS We conducted a qualitative study among volunteers who were enrolled in the registration cohort of HIV clinical trials in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. A purposive sampling strategy was used to obtain twenty study participants. The data were collected between June and September 2020 using a semi-structured interview guide. In-depth interviews were used to collect the data to obtain deep insights of the individual study participants on the comprehension of informed consent and participation in the clinical trial. A thematic analysis approach was used to analyze the data. Themes and subthemes were supported by the quotes from the participants. RESULTS Volunteers described comprehension of informed consent from different perspectives. They reported that various components of the informed consent such as study procedure, confidentiality, risk and benefits were grasped during engagement meetings. Furthermore, the volunteers' decision to participate in the registration cohort was voluntary. However, trial aspects such as health insurance, free condoms, and medical checkups could have indirectly influenced their reluctance to withdraw from the study. CONCLUSION Engagement meetings may increase the comprehension of informed consent among potential participants for HIV clinical trials. However, trial incentives may influence participation, and thus future research should focus on the challenges of giving incentives in the study. This will ensure comprehension and voluntary participation in the context of HIV clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masunga K Iseselo
- Department of Clinical Nursing, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
| | - Edith A M Tarimo
- Department of Nursing Management, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
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4
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Norman G, Mason T, Dumville JC, Bower P, Wilson P, Cullum N. Approaches to enabling rapid evaluation of innovations in health and social care: a scoping review of evidence from high-income countries. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e064345. [PMID: 36600433 PMCID: PMC10580278 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-064345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The COVID-19 pandemic increased the demand for rapid evaluation of innovation in health and social care. Assessment of rapid methodologies is lacking although challenges in ensuring rigour and effective use of resources are known. We mapped reports of rapid evaluations of health and social care innovations, categorised different approaches to rapid evaluation, explored comparative benefits of rapid evaluation, and identified knowledge gaps. DESIGN Scoping review. DATA SOURCES MEDLINE, EMBASE and Health Management Information Consortium (HMIC) databases were searched through 13 September 2022. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR SELECTING STUDIES We included publications reporting primary research or methods for rapid evaluation of interventions or services in health and social care in high-income countries. DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS Two reviewers developed and piloted a data extraction form. One reviewer extracted data, a second reviewer checked 10% of the studies; disagreements and uncertainty were resolved through consensus. We used narrative synthesis to map different approaches to conducting rapid evaluation. RESULTS We identified 16 759 records and included 162 which met inclusion criteria.We identified four main approaches for rapid evaluation: (1) Using methodology designed specifically for rapid evaluation; (2) Increasing rapidity by doing less or using less time-intensive methodology; (3) Using alternative technologies and/or data to increase speed of existing evaluation method; (4) Adapting part of non-rapid evaluation.The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in an increase in publications and some limited changes in identified methods. We found little research comparing rapid and non-rapid evaluation. CONCLUSIONS We found a lack of clarity about what 'rapid evaluation' means but identified some useful preliminary categories. There is a need for clarity and consistency about what constitutes rapid evaluation; consistent terminology in reporting evaluations as rapid; development of specific methodologies for making evaluation more rapid; and assessment of advantages and disadvantages of rapid methodology in terms of rigour, cost and impact.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gill Norman
- Division of Nursing, Midwifery & Social Work; School of Health Sciences; Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Research and Innovation Division, Manchester University Foundation NHS Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Thomas Mason
- Centre for Primary Care and Health Services Research; School of Health Sciences; Faculty of Biology, Medicine & Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- Division of Health Research, Lancaster University, Lancaster, UK
| | - Jo C Dumville
- Division of Nursing, Midwifery & Social Work; School of Health Sciences; Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Research and Innovation Division, Manchester University Foundation NHS Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Peter Bower
- Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Research and Innovation Division, Manchester University Foundation NHS Trust, Manchester, UK
- Centre for Primary Care and Health Services Research; School of Health Sciences; Faculty of Biology, Medicine & Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Paul Wilson
- Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Research and Innovation Division, Manchester University Foundation NHS Trust, Manchester, UK
- Centre for Primary Care and Health Services Research; School of Health Sciences; Faculty of Biology, Medicine & Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Nicky Cullum
- Division of Nursing, Midwifery & Social Work; School of Health Sciences; Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Research and Innovation Division, Manchester University Foundation NHS Trust, Manchester, UK
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5
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Bader M, Zheng L, Rao D, Shiyanbola O, Myers L, Davis T, O'Leary C, McKee M, Wolf M, Assaf AR. Towards a more patient-centered clinical trial process: A systematic review of interventions incorporating health literacy best practices. Contemp Clin Trials 2022; 116:106733. [PMID: 35301134 DOI: 10.1016/j.cct.2022.106733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Revised: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A 2019 public workshop convened by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine (NASEM) Roundtable on Health Literacy identified a need to develop evidence-based guidance for best practices for health literacy and patient activation in clinical trials. PURPOSE To identify studies of health literacy interventions within medical care or clinical trial settings that were associated with improved measures of health literacy or patient activation, to help inform best practices in the clinical trial process. DATA SOURCES Literature searches were conducted in PubMed, the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, SCOPUS, Cochrane, and Web of Science from January 2009 to June 2021. STUDY SELECTION Of 3592 records screened, 22 records investigating 27 unique health literacy interventions in randomized controlled studies were included for qualitative synthesis. DATA EXTRACTION Data screening and abstraction were performed following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. DATA SYNTHESIS Types of health literacy interventions were multimedia or technology-based (11 studies), simplification of written material (six studies) and in-person sessions (five studies). These interventions were applied at various stages in the healthcare and clinical trial process. All studies used unique outcome measures, including patient comprehension, quality of informed consent, and patient activation and engagement. CONCLUSIONS The findings of our study suggest that best practice guidelines recommend health literacy interventions during the clinical trial process, presentation of information in multiple forms, involvement of patients in information optimization, and improved standardization in health literacy outcome measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehnaz Bader
- Worldwide Medical and Safety, Pfizer Inc, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Linda Zheng
- School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Deepika Rao
- School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | | | - Laurie Myers
- Global Health Literacy and Oncology Health Equity, Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ, USA
| | - Terry Davis
- Department of Medicine, Louisiana State University Health - Shreveport, Shreveport, LA, USA
| | | | - Michael McKee
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Michigan/Michigan Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Michael Wolf
- Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Annlouise R Assaf
- Worldwide Medical and Safety, Pfizer Inc, New York, NY, USA; School of Public Health, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
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Lenton LA, Smith V, Bacon AM, May J, Charlesford J. Ethical considerations for committees, supervisors and student researchers conducting qualitative research with young people in the United Kingdom. METHODS IN PSYCHOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.metip.2021.100050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
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7
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Erber AC, Ewing V, Turner M, Molla M, Murbe G, Enquoselassie F, Davey G, Lang T. Setting up a pragmatic clinical trial in a low-resource setting: A qualitative assessment of GoLBeT, a trial of podoconiosis management in Northern Ethiopia. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2021; 15:e0009582. [PMID: 34319977 PMCID: PMC8370641 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0009582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2020] [Revised: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Clinical trials are often perceived as being expensive, difficult and beyond the capacity of healthcare workers in low-resource settings. However, in order to improve healthcare coverage, the World Health Organization (WHO) World Health Report 2013 stated that all countries need to become generators as well as recipients of data. This study is a methodological examination of the steps and processes involved in setting up the Gojjam Lymphoedema Best Practice Trial (GoLBeT; ISRCTN67805210), a highly pragmatic clinical trial conducted in northern Ethiopia. Challenges to the trial and strategies used to deal with them were explored, together with the reasons for delays. Methodology and principal findings Qualitative research methods were used to analyse emails and reports from the period between trial inception and recruitment. This analysis was complemented by interviews with key informants from the trial operational team. The Global Health Research Process Map was used as a framework against which to compare the steps involved in setting up the trial. A mini-group discussion was conducted with the trial operational team after study completion for reflection and further recommendations. This study showed that the key areas of difficulty in setting up and planning this trial were: the study design, that is, deciding on the study endpoint, where and how best to measure it, and assuring statistical power; recruitment and appropriate training of staff; planning for data quality; and gaining regulatory approvals. Collaboration, for example with statisticians, the trial steering committee, the study monitors, and members of the local community was essential to successfully setting up the trial. Conclusions and significance Lessons learnt from this trial might guide others planning pragmatic trials in settings where research is not common, allowing them to anticipate possible challenges and address them through trial design, planning and operational delivery. We also hope that this example might encourage similar pragmatic studies to be undertaken. Such studies are rarely undertaken or locally led, but are an accessible and efficient way to drive improved outcomes in public health. Podoconiosis is a disease of the lymphatic vessels of the lower extremities, caused by chronic exposure to irritant soils. It results in leg swelling, commonly complicated by acute dermatolymphangioadenitis (ADLA, or ‘acute attacks’), characterised by severe pain, fever and disability. The Gojjam Lymphoedema Best Practice Trial (GoLBeT) trial is a successfully completed randomised controlled trial of podoconiosis treatment that was conducted in the highlands of northern Ethiopia. In this study we report the steps involved in the setup of this trial, from inception to recruitment. The challenges faced are discussed, along with recommendations on how these could be overcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Astrid C. Erber
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Department of Epidemiology, Center for Public Health, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Victoria Ewing
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Mark Turner
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Office for National Statistics, Government Buildings, Newport, United Kingdom
| | - Meseret Molla
- School of Public Health, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Gharib Murbe
- Centre for Global Health Research, Brighton & Sussex Medical School, University of Sussex, Brighton, United Kingdom
| | | | - Gail Davey
- School of Public Health, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
- Centre for Global Health Research, Brighton & Sussex Medical School, University of Sussex, Brighton, United Kingdom
| | - Trudie Lang
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
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8
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Negash M, Chanyalew M, T Gebresilase T, Sintayehu B, Anteye T, Aseffa A, Newport MJ. Rapid ethical appraisal of stakeholder views on research prior to undertaking immunopathogenesis studies on podoconiosis in northeast Ethiopia during a period of social instability. Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg 2021; 115:1026-1038. [PMID: 33570141 PMCID: PMC8417087 DOI: 10.1093/trstmh/trab003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2020] [Revised: 09/24/2020] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Undertaking research and attaining informed consent can be challenging when there is political unrest and community mistrust. Rapid ethical appraisal (REA) is a tool that uses qualitative methods to explore sociocultural issues that may affect the ethical conduct of research. Methods We used REA in northeast Ethiopia shortly following a period of unrest, during which violence against researchers occurred, to assess stakeholder perceptions of research, researchers and the informed consent process. We held 32 in-depth interviews and 2 focus group discussions. Results Most community members had little awareness about podoconiosis or healthcare research. Convincing the community to donate blood for research is challenging due to association with HIV testing. The attack on researchers was mainly motivated by the community's mistrust of their intentions against the background of a volatile political situation. Social media contributed to the spread of misinformation. Lack of community engagement was also a key contributing factor. Conclusions Using REA, we identified potential barriers to the informed consent process, participant recruitment for data and specimen collection and the smooth conduct of research. Researchers should assess existing conditions in the study area and engage with the community to increase awareness prior to commencing their research activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mikias Negash
- Brighton and Sussex Centre for Global Health Research , Department of Global Health and Infection, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Brighton, UK.,Armauer Hansen Research Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.,Addis Ababa University, College of Health Sciences, Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | | | - Tewodros T Gebresilase
- Armauer Hansen Research Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.,Unit of Health Biotechnology, Institute of Biotechnology, College of Natural and Computational Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia
| | | | | | - Abraham Aseffa
- Armauer Hansen Research Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Melanie J Newport
- Brighton and Sussex Centre for Global Health Research , Department of Global Health and Infection, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Brighton, UK
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9
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Simons-Rudolph A, Iritani B, Odongo F, Rennie S, Gilbertson A, Kwaro D, Luseno W. Adolescent perceptions about participating in HIV-related research studies. CHILDREN AND YOUTH SERVICES REVIEW 2020; 116:105262. [PMID: 32905545 PMCID: PMC7472997 DOI: 10.1016/j.childyouth.2020.105262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
The rising incidence of infection among youth in sub-Saharan Africa makes HIV-related research among younger people a top priority. There remains, however, a lack of consistent and unambiguous ethical principles and guidance for researchers wishing to conduct HIV studies with adolescents. The overarching aim of our research was to better understand youths' experiences with HIV studies. The present study explored four questions: (1) What strategies are effective for recruiting youth for HIV studies? (2) What motivates youth to participate in these studies? (3) How do study participants perceive HIV testing within the context of a research study? (4) What do participants understand about the risks of study participation? These data are essential to inform guidelines for the responsible conduct of research with young people. We interviewed 82 adolescents (aged 15-19) in Kenya taking part in a study examining ethical issues pertaining to their involvement in HIV-related research. Pursuant to our research questions, we found that direct study recruitment combined with encouragement from female relatives was the greatest facilitator to study enrolment among young people. Most young participants expressed that they were motivated to join the study in order to (1) learn their HIV status (n = 49) and (2) receive HIV-related education (n = 26), even though both are already free and widely available. Participants largely preferred testing in a place they deemed "private," although both the health clinic and home were regarded by adolescents as locations with greater privacy. Adolescents largely did not accurately perceive risks of the study two months after baseline, although they could remember the benefits with great clarity. This work can inform researchers, policymakers, and ethics review committees on approaches to maximize efficiency in recruitment and data collection, and to enhance understanding of risks and benefits in HIV-related research among adolescents. While further research is needed, these data may be used by others conducting HIV research in this region to improve recruitment strategies and more effectively engage and appeal to young people.
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Affiliation(s)
- A.P. Simons-Rudolph
- Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation (PIRE),
Chapel Hill, USA
- Corresponding author at: PIRE, 101 Conner Dr., Ste
200, Chapel Hill, NC 27514, USA.
| | - B.J. Iritani
- Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation (PIRE),
Chapel Hill, USA
| | - F.S. Odongo
- Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), Kisumu,
Kenya
| | - S. Rennie
- Department of Social Medicine, UNC Center for Bioethics,
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, USA
| | - A. Gilbertson
- Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation (PIRE),
Chapel Hill, USA
| | - D. Kwaro
- Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), Kisumu,
Kenya
| | - W.K. Luseno
- Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation (PIRE),
Chapel Hill, USA
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10
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Mutenherwa F, Wassenaar DR, de Oliveira T. Experts' Perspectives on Key Ethical Issues Associated With HIV Phylogenetics as Applied in HIV Transmission Dynamics Research. J Empir Res Hum Res Ethics 2018; 14:61-77. [PMID: 30486713 DOI: 10.1177/1556264618809608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The use of phylogenetics in HIV molecular epidemiology has considerably increased our ability to understand the origin, spread, and characteristics of HIV epidemics. Despite its potential to advance knowledge on HIV transmission dynamics, the ethical issues associated with HIV molecular epidemiology have received minimal attention. In-depth interviews were conducted with scientists from diverse backgrounds to explore their perspectives on ethical issues associated with phylogenetic analysis of HIV genetic data as applied to HIV transmission dynamics studies. The Emanuel framework was used as the analytical framework. Favorable risk-benefit ratio and informed consent were the most invoked ethical principles and fair participant selection the least. Fear of loss of privacy and disclosure of HIV transmission were invariably cited as key ethical concerns. As HIV sequence data become increasingly available, comprehensive guidelines should be developed to guide its access, sharing and use, cognizant of the potential harms that may result.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farirai Mutenherwa
- 1 University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.,2 KwaZulu-Natal Research Innovation and Sequencing Platform (KRISP), College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | | | - Tulio de Oliveira
- 1 University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.,2 KwaZulu-Natal Research Innovation and Sequencing Platform (KRISP), College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa.,3 Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa, Durban, South Africa
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11
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Gebremariam A, Yalew AW, Hirpa S, Wondimagegnehu A, Kaba M, Assefa M, Mitiku I, Kantelhardt EJ, Jemal A, Addissie A. Application of the rapid ethical assessment approach to enhance the ethical conduct of longitudinal population based female cancer research in an urban setting in Ethiopia. BMC Med Ethics 2018; 19:87. [PMID: 30428895 PMCID: PMC6237025 DOI: 10.1186/s12910-018-0328-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2018] [Accepted: 10/28/2018] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Rapid Ethical Assessment (REA) is an approach used to design context tailored consent process for voluntary participation of participants in research including human subjects. There is, however, limited evidence on the design of ethical assessment in studies targeting cancer patients in Ethiopia. REA was conducted to explore factors that influence the informed consent process among female cancer patients recruited for longitudinal research from Addis Ababa Population-based Cancer Registry. Methods Qualitative study employing rapid ethnographic approach was conducted from May–July, 2017, at the Tikur Anbessa Specialized Referral Hospital. In-depth and key informants’ interviews were conducted among purposively selected 16 participants. Regular de-briefings among the study team helped to identify emerging themes and ensure saturation. Interviews and debriefings were tape recorded in Amharic, and transcribed and translated to English. Coding of the transcripts was facilitated by use of NVivo software. Thematic analysis was employed to respond to the initial questions and interpret findings. Results Perceived barriers to voluntary study participation included lack of reporting back study results of previous studies, the decision making status of women, hopelessness or fatigue in the patients, shyness of the women, data collectors approach to the patient, and patient’s time constraints. Most of the patients preferred oral over written consent and face-to-face interview over telephone interview. Provision of detail information about the study, using short and understandable tool, competent, compassionate and respectful enumerators of the same gender were suggested to assure participation. Due to the perceived severity, the use of the term “cancer” was associated with fear and anxiety. Alternatively, uses of phrases like “breast or cervical illness/disease” were suggested during patient interviews. Conclusions Voluntary participation is not straight forward but affected by different factors. Using competent, compassionate and respectful enumerators, short and precise questioning tools to limit the time of the interview could improve voluntary participation. Moreover, careful consideration of the patients and families concept of the disease such as wording and information has to be taken into account. This assessment helped in improving the consent process of the ongoing project on breast and cervical cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alem Gebremariam
- Department of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Adigrat University, Adigrat, Ethiopia. .,School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
| | - Alemayehu Worku Yalew
- School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Selamawit Hirpa
- School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Abigiya Wondimagegnehu
- School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Mirgissa Kaba
- School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Mathewos Assefa
- Department of Radiotherapy Center, School of Medicine, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | | | - Eva Johanna Kantelhardt
- Institute of Medical Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Informatics, Martin-Luther-University, Halle, Germany
| | - Ahmedin Jemal
- Surveillance and Health Services Research, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Adamu Addissie
- School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
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12
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Molla M, Negussie H, Ngari M, Kivaya E, Njuguna P, Enqueselassie F, Berkley JA, Davey G. Pragmatism in practice: lessons learned during screening and enrollment for a randomised controlled trial in rural northern Ethiopia. BMC Med Res Methodol 2018. [PMID: 29514613 PMCID: PMC5842624 DOI: 10.1186/s12874-018-0486-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background We use the example of the Gojjam Lymphoedema Best Practice Trial (GoLBeT), a pragmatic trial in a remote rural setting in northern Ethiopia, to extract lessons relevant to other investigators balancing the demands of practicality and community acceptability with internal and external validity in clinical trials. Methods We explain in detail the preparation for the trial, its setting in northern Ethiopia, the identification and selection of patients (inclusion and exclusion criterion, identifying and screening of patients at home, enrollment of patients at the health centres and health posts), and randomisation. Results We describe the challenges met, together with strategies employed to overcome them. Conclusions Examples given in the previous section are contextualised and general principles extracted where possible. We conclude that it is possible to conduct a trial that balances approaches that support internal validity (e.g. careful design of proformas, accurate case identification, control over data quality and high retention rates) with those that favour generalisability (e.g. ‘real world’ setting and low rates of exclusion). Strategies, such as Rapid Ethical Assessment, that increase researchers’ understanding of the study setting and inclusion of hard-to-reach participants are likely to have resource and time implications, but are vital in achieving an appropriate balance. Trial registration ISRCTN67805210, registered 24/01/2013.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meseret Molla
- Centre for Environment and Development Studies, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Henok Negussie
- Wellcome Trust Centre for Global Health Research, Brighton & Sussex Medical School, University of Sussex, Brighton, BN1 9PX, UK
| | - Moses Ngari
- KEMRI/Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
| | - Esther Kivaya
- KEMRI/Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
| | | | | | - James A Berkley
- KEMRI/Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya.,Centre for Tropical Medicine & Global Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Gail Davey
- Wellcome Trust Centre for Global Health Research, Brighton & Sussex Medical School, University of Sussex, Brighton, BN1 9PX, UK. .,School of Public Health, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
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Factors associated with cervical precancerous lesions among women screened for cervical cancer in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: A case control study. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0191506. [PMID: 29352278 PMCID: PMC5774809 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0191506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2017] [Accepted: 01/05/2018] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cervical cancer is the second most prevalent cancer among women in the developing countries including Ethiopia. Precancerous lesions can be developed and risk to the development of cervical cancer over time. Early identification of the precancerous lesion and its risk factor is paramount in preventing cervical cancer. However, the determinants of cervical precancerous lesions are not well documented in Ethiopia. Therefore, this study is conducted to determine factors associated with cervical precancerous lesion among women screened for cervical cancer. METHODS A hospital-based unmatched case-control study was conducted in selected health facilities in Addis Ababa from March to April 2016. Data were collected from 114 cases and 229 controls using an interviewer-administered questionnaire, entered to Epi Info version 7, and exported to SPSS version 20 for analysis. Odds ratios with its 95% confidence intervals and two-tailed P-value were calculated. Variables with P-value ≤ 0.2 in the bivariate analysis were included in the multivariate logistic regression model. RESULTS Women aged 40-49 years had 2.4-fold higher odds of precancerous lesions compared to those aged 30-39 (Adjusted Odds Ratio = 2.4, 95% Confidence Interval: 1.27-4.54). Women having history of sexually transmitted infections were significantly associated with cervical precancerous lesion compared to their counterparts (Adjusted Odds Ratio = 3.20, 95% Confidence Interval: 1.26-8.10). Similarly, those women who had two or more lifetime sexual partners (Adjusted Odds Ratio = 2.17 95% Confidence Interval: 1.01-4.67), and women whose husbands had two or more lifetime sexual partners (Adjusted Odds Ratio = 3.03, 95% Confidence Interval: 1.25, 7.33) had higher odds of cervical precancerous lesions. CONCLUSIONS Older age, history of multiple sexual partners and sexual transmitted infections were associated with increased risk of precancerous lesion. Therefore, women with higher risk of precancerous lesions should be encouraged to be screened more frequently for cervical cancer.
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