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Gibas KM, Ahonkhai AA, Huang A, van Wyk C, Tsiga-Ahmed FI, Musa BM, Sani MU, Audet CM, Wester CW, Aliyu MH. The V-BRCH Project: Strengthening HIV Research Capacity in Nigeria through Intensive Workshops in Implementation Science and Grant Writing. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2024; 110:534-539. [PMID: 38350133 PMCID: PMC10919197 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.23-0711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2024] Open
Abstract
As persons with HIV live longer as the result of antiretroviral therapy, morbidity from HIV-associated noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) is increasing. The Vanderbilt-Nigeria Building Research Capacity in HIV and Noncommunicable Diseases program is a training platform created with the goal of training a cohort of successful Nigerian investigators to become leaders in HIV-associated NCD research. We describe survey findings from two week-long workshops in Kano, Nigeria, where trainees received instruction in implementation science and grant writing. Surveys assessed participants' self-perceived knowledge and confidence in topics taught during these workshops. Thirty-seven participants (all assistant professors) attended the implementation science workshop; 30 attended the grant-writing workshop. Response rates for the implementation science workshop were 89.2% for the preworkshop survey and 91.9% for the postworkshop survey. For the grant-writing workshop, these values were 88.2% and 85.3%, respectively. Improvement in participant knowledge and confidence was observed in every domain measured for both workshops. On average, a 101.4% increase in knowledge and a 118.0% increase in confidence was observed across measured domains among participants in the implementation science workshop. For the grant-writing workshop, there was a 68.8% increase in knowledge and a 70.3% increase in confidence observed. Participants rated the workshops and instructors as effective for both workshops. These workshops improved participants' knowledge and competence in implementation science and grant writing, and provide a model for training programs that aim to provide physician scientists with the skills needed to compete for independent funding, conduct locally relevant research, and disseminate research findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin M. Gibas
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
- Department of Epidemiology & Infection Prevention, Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, Rhode Island
| | - Aima A. Ahonkhai
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Alexander Huang
- Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Chelsea van Wyk
- Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health, Nashville, Tennessee
| | | | - Baba M. Musa
- Department of Medicine, Bayero University, Kano, Nigeria
| | | | | | | | - Muktar H. Aliyu
- Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health, Nashville, Tennessee
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Olawepo JO, Ezeanolue EE, Ekenna A, Ogunsola OO, Itanyi IU, Jedy-Agba E, Egbo E, Onwuchekwa C, Ezeonu A, Ajibola A, Olakunde BO, Majekodunmi O, Ogidi AG, Chukwuorji J, Lasebikan N, Dakum P, Okonkwo P, Oyeledun B, Oko J, Khamofu H, Ikpeazu A, Nwokwu UE, Aliyu G, Shittu O, Rositch AF, Powell BJ, Conserve DF, Aarons GA, Olutola A. Building a national framework for multicentre research and clinical trials: experience from the Nigeria Implementation Science Alliance. BMJ Glob Health 2022; 7:bmjgh-2021-008241. [PMID: 35450861 PMCID: PMC9024272 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2021-008241] [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: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
There is limited capacity and infrastructure in sub-Saharan Africa to conduct clinical trials for the identification of efficient and effective new prevention, diagnostic and treatment modalities to address the disproportionate burden of disease. This paper reports on the process to establish locally driven infrastructure for multicentre research and trials in Nigeria known as the Nigeria Implementation Science Alliance Model Innovation and Research Centres (NISA-MIRCs). We used a participatory approach to establish a research network of 21 high-volume health facilities selected from all 6 geopolitical zones in Nigeria capable of conducting clinical trials, implementation research using effectiveness-implementation hybrid designs and health system research. The NISA-MIRCs have a cumulative potential to recruit 60 000 women living with HIV and an age-matched cohort of HIV-uninfected women. We conducted a needs assessment, convened several stakeholder outreaches and engagement sessions, and established a governance structure. Additionally, we selected and trained a core research team, developed criteria for site selection, assessed site readiness for research and obtained ethical approval from a single national institutional review board. We used the Exploration, Preparation, Implementation, Sustainment framework to guide our reporting of the process in the development of this network. The NISA-MIRCs will provide a nationally representative infrastructure to initiate new studies, support collaborative research, inform policy decisions and thereby fill a significant research infrastructure gap in Africa’s most populous country.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Olajide Olawepo
- Department of Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Center for Translation and Implementation Research (CTAIR), University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu, Nigeria
| | - Echezona Edozie Ezeanolue
- Center for Translation and Implementation Research (CTAIR), University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu, Nigeria .,Healthy Sunrise Foundation, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
| | - Adanma Ekenna
- Center for Translation and Implementation Research (CTAIR), University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu, Nigeria.,Department of Community Medicine, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu, Nigeria
| | | | - Ijeoma Uchenna Itanyi
- Center for Translation and Implementation Research (CTAIR), University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu, Nigeria.,Department of Community Medicine, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu, Nigeria
| | | | - Emmanuel Egbo
- Center for Translation and Implementation Research (CTAIR), University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu, Nigeria
| | | | - Alexandra Ezeonu
- Center for Translation and Implementation Research (CTAIR), University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu, Nigeria
| | - Abiola Ajibola
- Center for Integrated Health Programs (CIHP), Abuja, FCT, Nigeria
| | - Babayemi O Olakunde
- Center for Translation and Implementation Research (CTAIR), University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu, Nigeria.,Department of Community Prevention and Care Services, National Agency for Control of AIDS (NACA), Abuja, FCT, Nigeria
| | | | - Amaka G Ogidi
- Center for Translation and Implementation Research (CTAIR), University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu, Nigeria
| | - JohnBosco Chukwuorji
- Center for Translation and Implementation Research (CTAIR), University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu, Nigeria.,Department of Psychology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu, Nigeria
| | - Nwamaka Lasebikan
- Center for Translation and Implementation Research (CTAIR), University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu, Nigeria.,Oncology Center, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Ituku Ozalla, Enugu, Nigeria
| | - Patrick Dakum
- Institute of Human Virology Nigeria, Abuja, FCT, Nigeria
| | | | - Bolanle Oyeledun
- Center for Integrated Health Programs (CIHP), Abuja, FCT, Nigeria
| | - John Oko
- Caritas Nigeria, Abuja, FCT, Nigeria
| | | | - Akudo Ikpeazu
- National AIDS, Viral Hepatitis and Sexually Transmitted Infections Control Programme, Federal Ministry of Health, Abuja, FCT, Nigeria
| | | | - Gambo Aliyu
- National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), Abuja, FCT, Nigeria
| | - Oladapo Shittu
- Federal University of Health Sciences Otukpo, Otukpo, Benue State, Nigeria
| | - Anne F Rositch
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Byron J Powell
- Center for Mental Health Services Research, Brown School at Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Donaldson F Conserve
- Department of Prevention and Community Health, Milken Institute School of Public Health, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Gregory A Aarons
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Ayodotun Olutola
- Center for Clinical Care and Clinical Research, Abuja, FCT, Nigeria
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Aliyu MH, Sani MU, Ingles DJ, Tsiga-Ahmed FI, Musa BM, Byers MS, Dongarwar D, Salihu HM, Wester C. Building Physician-Scientist Skills in R Programming:A Short Workshop Report. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 6:e418. [PMID: 35854710 PMCID: PMC9289956 DOI: 10.21106/ijtmrph.418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Introduction Statistical analysis programs require coding experience and a basic understanding of programming, skills which are not taught as part of medical school or residency curricula. Methods We conducted a five-day course for early-career Nigerian physician-scientists interested in learning common statistical tests and acquiring R programming skills. The workshop included didactic presentations, small group learning activities, and interactive discussions. A baseline questionnaire captured participant demographics and solicited participants' level of confidence in understanding/performing common statistical tests. REDCap questionnaires were emailed to obtain feedback on educational format and content. A post-workshop assessment covered participants' overall impression of the program. Results A total of 23 participants attended the program. Most participants were male (n=14, 60.9%) and at an early stage in their career (assistant professor, n=20, 87.0%). Approximately 70% of respondents indicated having received some prior training in statistics. The proportion of participants without experience using R and SAS software (90% and 85%, respectively) was greater than the corresponding proportions for Stata (55%) and SPSS (20%). Prior to the workshop, most respondents expressed being "not at all confident" in performing one-way ANOVA (60%), logistic regression (68%), simple linear regression (60%), and McNemar's test (80%). There was a statistically significant post-workshop improvement in the level of confidence in understanding and performing common statistical tests. The course was rated on a 0-100 scale as "moderately difficult" (mean ± SD: 51.7 ± 19.5). Most participants felt comfortable in putting the knowledge learned into practice (82.2 ± 17.1). Conclusion and Public Health Implications Introductory R can be taught to junior physician-scientists in resource-limited settings and can inform the development and implementation of similar training initiatives in analogous settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muktar H. Aliyu
- Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | | | | | | | - Baba M. Musa
- African Center of Excellence for Population Health and Policy, Bayero University, Kano, Nigeria
| | - M. Shannon Byers
- Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Deepa Dongarwar
- Baylor College of Medicine, Department of Family and Community Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Hamisu M. Salihu
- Baylor College of Medicine, Department of Family and Community Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - C.William Wester
- Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
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Aliyu MH, Sani MU, Ingles DJ, Tsiga-Ahmed FI, Musa BM, Ahonkhai AA, Salihu HM, Audet CM, Wester CW. Building Research Capacity in HIV and Noncommunicable Diseases in Africa: A Mentorship and Leadership Workshop Report. THE JOURNAL OF CONTINUING EDUCATION IN THE HEALTH PROFESSIONS 2022; 42:e106-e110. [PMID: 34459441 PMCID: PMC8876426 DOI: 10.1097/ceh.0000000000000380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Few structured mentoring programs target early-stage investigators in Africa, creating a gap in mentorship skills where HIV burden is greatest. We describe findings from a Nigeria-based workshop for early-career physician scientists to build mentoring and leadership capacity in HIV and noncommunicable disease research. METHODS Baseline surveys captured participant demographics, confidence in implementing mentoring competencies, and perceived importance of workshop training domains. The workshop included didactic presentations, small group activities, and interactive discussions. Daily surveys evaluated sessions, and postworkshop surveys solicited overall course impressions. RESULTS Of the 33 participants, most were male (n = 21, 63.6%) and from medicine, laboratory sciences, and surgical specialties. "Building mentees' confidence" and "setting mentees' research goals" were ranked as areas where participants most believed they needed training. Sessions were rated favorably across five areas. Greatest improvements in mean scores were for confidence in identifying personal temperament styles, describing mentoring and leadership theories/frameworks, and developing mentoring plans. Additional identified workshop strengths were content relevance, leadership case series, interactive nature, and collegial atmosphere. All respondents indicated learning something new/useful/helpful in each session. At 6-month postworkshop, most respondents (25 of 26, 96%) had replicated or plan to replicate parts of the workshop in their departments/institutions. DISCUSSION Effective mentoring training initiatives targeting future academic leaders have the potential to create skilled academicians who can impart mentoring skills and competencies to their mentees.
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Aliyu MH, Iliyasu Z, Ingles DJ, Cassell HM, Lloyd WH, Ahonkhai AA, Abdu A, Audet CM, Wester CW. The V-RAMP Program: Building Research Administration and Management Capacity in Nigeria. JOURNAL OF GLOBAL HEALTH REPORTS 2021; 5. [PMID: 34660911 DOI: 10.29392/001c.24355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
The increasing volume and complexity of research activities in Nigeria necessitates urgent measures to improve research infrastructure in grants administration and management. The Vanderbilt-Nigeria Research Administration and Management Training Program (V-RAMP) seeks to build infrastructure capacity in research administration and management and research ethics at a major teaching hospital in Nigeria. We will perform a mixed methods needs assessment of the administrative and management environment and develop an action plan to address infrastructure needs, prioritize processes, and guide program implementation. We will capacitate a newly established Office of Research Administration and improve the knowledge and skills of research administrators and grant managers via short term in-person trainings in Nashville, Tennessee and in Kano, Nigeria and through remote learning opportunities. We will enhance local administrative efficiency and performance of research ethics operations through training and mentoring of members and staff of the ethics review committee. Systematic processes to streamline protocols, including a REDCap protocol tracking database and standard operating procedures in the responsible conduct of research and rigor and reproducibility will also be developed. V-RAMP will enable the creation of a high-quality research administration environment that is knowledgeable, efficient, and compliant regarding the fiscal, management and ethical standards of sponsored research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muktar H Aliyu
- Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health (VIGH), Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC), Nashville, TN.,Department of Health Policy, Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC), Nashville, TN.,Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC), Nashville, TN
| | - Zubairu Iliyasu
- Department of Community Medicine, Bayero University & Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH), Kano, Nigeria
| | - Donna J Ingles
- Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health (VIGH), Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC), Nashville, TN
| | - Holly M Cassell
- Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health (VIGH), Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC), Nashville, TN
| | - Wendy H Lloyd
- Vanderbilt Coordinating Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC), Nashville, TN
| | - Aima A Ahonkhai
- Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health (VIGH), Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC), Nashville, TN.,Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC), Nashville, TN.,Division of Infectious Diseases, Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC), Nashville, TN
| | - Aliyu Abdu
- Department of Medicine, Bayero University & Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH), Kano, Nigeria
| | - Carolyn M Audet
- Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health (VIGH), Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC), Nashville, TN.,Department of Health Policy, Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC), Nashville, TN.,MRC/Wits Rural Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit (Agincourt), School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - C William Wester
- Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health (VIGH), Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC), Nashville, TN.,Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC), Nashville, TN.,Division of Infectious Diseases, Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC), Nashville, TN
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