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Khisa AM, Wao H, Brizuela V, Compaoré R, Baguiya A, López Gómez A, Bonet M, Kouanda S, Thorson A, Gitau E. Embedding research capacity strengthening in multi-country studies in low-and middle-income countries: learnings from sexual and reproductive health research. Glob Health Action 2024; 17:2338634. [PMID: 38607331 PMCID: PMC11018088 DOI: 10.1080/16549716.2024.2338634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Research capacity strengthening (RCS) can empower individuals, institutions, networks, or countries to define and prioritize problems systematically; develop and scientifically evaluate appropriate solutions; and reinforce or improve capacities to translate knowledge into policy and practice. However, how to embed RCS into multi-country studies focusing on sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) is largely undocumented. We used findings from a qualitative study, from a review of the literature, and from a validation exercise from a panel of experts from research institutions that work on SRHR RCS. We provide a framework for embedded RCS; suggest a set of seven concrete actions that research project planners, designers, implementers, and funders can utilise to guide embedded RCS activities in low- and middle-income countries; and present a practical checklist for planning and assessing embedded RCS in research projects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne M. Khisa
- Capacity Strengthening and SRHR Research, African Population and Health Research Center, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Hesborn Wao
- Capacity Strengthening and SRHR Research, African Population and Health Research Center, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Vanessa Brizuela
- UNDP/UNFPA/UNICEF/WHO/World Bank Special Programme of Research, Development and Research Training in Human Reproduction (HRP), Department of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Research, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Rachidatou Compaoré
- Department of Biomedical and Public Health, Research Institute for Health Sciences, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
| | - Adama Baguiya
- Department of Biomedical and Public Health, Research Institute for Health Sciences, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
| | | | - Mercedes Bonet
- UNDP/UNFPA/UNICEF/WHO/World Bank Special Programme of Research, Development and Research Training in Human Reproduction (HRP), Department of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Research, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Seni Kouanda
- Department of Biomedical and Public Health, Research Institute for Health Sciences, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
- African Institute of Public Health, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
| | - Anna Thorson
- UNDP/UNFPA/UNICEF/WHO/World Bank Special Programme of Research, Development and Research Training in Human Reproduction (HRP), Department of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Research, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Evelyn Gitau
- Capacity Strengthening and SRHR Research, African Population and Health Research Center, Nairobi, Kenya
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Buser JM, Auma AG, August E, Rana GK, Gray R, Jacobson-Davies FE, Tufa TH, Endale T, Mukeshimana M, Smith YR. Sexual and reproductive health research capacity strengthening programs in low- and middle-income countries: A scoping review. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2024; 4:e0003789. [PMID: 39361709 PMCID: PMC11449353 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0003789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2024] [Indexed: 10/05/2024]
Abstract
Sexual and reproductive health (SRH) research capacity strengthening (RCS) programs in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) are needed to foster the discovery of context-specific solutions to improve patient outcomes and population health. There remains a limited understanding of SRH research strengthening programs to raise skill sets, publications, and infrastructure and ultimately influence health policy and patient outcomes in LMICs. More information is needed to understand how SRH research is sustained after program completion. To inform efforts to implement programs that strengthen SRH research and foster sustainability, we conducted a scoping review to identify and synthesize strategies used in SRH research strengthening programs in LMICs. A literature search of nine scholarly databases was conducted. We synthesized data extracted from included articles and presented results highlighting the format, duration, and topics covered of program interventions to strengthen SRH research in LMICs. We organized information about primary outcomes into themes and summarized how SRH research capacity was sustained after program completion. Twenty-four articles were included in the scoping review. The articles generally focused on outcomes within the themes of advocacy/capacity, education, policy, project life cycle, and writing/publication. Few articles reported metrics or other evidence of long-term program sustainability of SRH RCS projects in LMICs. Results from this scoping review can be used to strengthen SRH research programs in LMICs. More energy must be directed toward correcting power imbalances in capacity strengthening initiatives. To address additional gaps, future directions for research should include an exploration of SRH research mentorship, the cost of SRH RCS interventions, and how to foster institutional support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie M Buser
- Center for International Reproductive Health Training (CIRHT), University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Anna Grace Auma
- Department of Nursing and Midwifery, Lira University, Lira, Uganda
| | - Ella August
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
- PREPSS (Pre-Publication Support Service), University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Gurpreet K Rana
- Taubman Health Sciences Library, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Rachel Gray
- Center for International Reproductive Health Training (CIRHT), University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Faelan E Jacobson-Davies
- Center for International Reproductive Health Training (CIRHT), University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Tesfaye H Tufa
- St. Paul Institute for Reproductive Health and Rights (SPIRHR), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Tamrat Endale
- Center for International Reproductive Health Training (CIRHT), University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | | | - Yolanda R Smith
- Center for International Reproductive Health Training (CIRHT), University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
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Brizuela V, Chebet JJ, Thorson A. Supporting early-career women researchers: lessons from a global mentorship programme. Glob Health Action 2023; 16:2162228. [PMID: 36705071 PMCID: PMC9888473 DOI: 10.1080/16549716.2022.2162228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Mentorship is an important contributor to strengthening research capacity among health researchers. Formal mentorship programmes, targeting women mentees can help mitigate some of the gendered power dynamics and can also help early career researchers learn from others' experiences of navigating these challenges. In 2020, the UNDP/UNFPA/UNICEF/WHO/World Bank Special Programme of Research, Development and Research Training in Human Reproduction at the World Health Organization launched a mentorship programme geared towards early career women researchers. This paper describes the process of designing and implementing a mentorship programme for early career women sexual and reproductive health and rights researchers from low- and middle-income countries including valuable lessons learned vis-à-vis existing evidence. Some of these findings have been incorporated into iterations of the programme launched in 2022. Critical points include: ensuring considerations for language and geographical distribution; allowing mentees to participate in the matching process; providing training and opportunities to network and learn from other participants; offering the support and structure for developing these relationships. Providing women researchers with the tools - through mentorship - to navigate the unique challenges they face in their career journeys, can have a lasting impact on research capacity. Countries and institutions committed to strengthening research capacity need to focus on the holistic growth and motivation of individuals in a way that ensures gender equality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa Brizuela
- UNDP/UNFPA/UNICEF/WHO/World Bank Special Programme of Research, Development and Research Training in Human Reproduction (HRP), Department of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Research, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland,CONTACT Vanessa Brizuela UNDP/UNFPA/UNICEF/WHO/World Bank Special Programme of Research, Development and Research Training in Human Reproduction (HRP), Department of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Research, World Health Organization, Avenue Appia 20, Geneva1211, Switzerland
| | - Joy J. Chebet
- UNDP/UNFPA/UNICEF/WHO/World Bank Special Programme of Research, Development and Research Training in Human Reproduction (HRP), Department of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Research, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Anna Thorson
- UNDP/UNFPA/UNICEF/WHO/World Bank Special Programme of Research, Development and Research Training in Human Reproduction (HRP), Department of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Research, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
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Murangi A, Rothmann S, Nel M. Special education teachers' job demands-resources profiles and capabilities: Effects on work engagement and intention to leave. Front Psychol 2022; 13:942923. [PMID: 36312118 PMCID: PMC9606819 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.942923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the job demands-resources profiles and work capabilities of special education teachers in Namibia and their effect on work engagement and intention to leave. A convenience sample was taken of teachers from seven different regions across Namibia (N = 200). The Capability Set for Work Questionnaire, the Job Demands-Resources Questionnaire, the Work Engagement Questionnaire, and the Intention to Leave Questionnaire were administered. Using latent profile analysis, four job demands-resources profiles were identified: resourceful job, demanding job, poor job, and rich job. A poor job was negatively associated with the capability to use knowledge and skills, while resourceful and rich jobs were associated with developing new knowledge and skills, being involved in important decisions, building and maintaining relationships, and setting own goals. Job experience was negatively associated with five of the seven capabilities. Resourceful and rich jobs and the capability set predicted a large percentage of the variance in work engagement and a moderate percentage of the variance in intention to leave. High emotional demands, coupled with overload and a lack of resources interfere with teachers' functioning (e.g., work engagement and intention to leave).
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Compaoré R, Brizuela V, Khisa AM, Gómez AL, Baguiya A, Bonet M, Thorson A, Gitau E, Kouanda S. 'We always find things to learn from.' Lessons from the implementation of the global maternal sepsis study on research capacity: a qualitative study. BMC Health Serv Res 2021; 21:208. [PMID: 33685446 PMCID: PMC7938552 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-021-06195-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2020] [Accepted: 02/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Research capacity strengthening could be an indirect outcome of implementing a research project. The objective of this study was to explore the ability of the global maternal sepsis study (GLOSS), implemented in 52 countries, to develop and strengthen sexual and reproductive health research capacity of local participants in low- and middle- income participating countries. Methods We carried out a qualitative study employing grounded theory in sixteen countries in Africa and Latin America. We used inductive and deductive methods through a focus group discussion and semi-structured interviews for the emergence of themes. Participants of the focus group discussion (n = 8) were GLOSS principal investigators (PIs) in Latin America. Interviewees (n = 63) were selected by the country GLOSS PIs in both Africa and Latin America, and included a diverse sample of participants involved in different aspects of study implementation. Eighty-two percent of the participants were health workers. We developed a conceptual framework that took into consideration data obtained from the focus group and refined it based on data from the interviews. Results Six themes emerged from the data analysis: recognized need for research capacity, unintended effects of participating in research, perceived ownership and linkage with the research study, being just data collectors, belonging to an institution that supports and fosters research, and presenting study results back to study implementers. Research capacity strengthening needs were consistently highlighted including involvement in protocol development, training and technical support, data analysis, and project management. The need for institutional support for researchers to conduct research was also emphasised. Conclusion This study suggests that research capacity strengthening of local researchers was an unintentional outcome of the large multi-country study on maternal sepsis. However, for sustainable research capacity to be built, study coordinators and funders need to deliberately plan for it, addressing needs at both the individual and institutional level. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12913-021-06195-9.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Vanessa Brizuela
- UNDP/UNFPA/ UNICEF/WHO/World Bank Special Programme of Research, Development and Research Training in Human Reproduction (HRP), Department of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Research, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Anne M Khisa
- African Population and Health Research Centre, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Alejandra López Gómez
- Programme of Gender, Reproductive Health and Sexuality/Institute of Psychology of Health, School of Psychology, University of the Republic, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Adama Baguiya
- Research Institute for Health Sciences, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
| | - Mercedes Bonet
- UNDP/UNFPA/ UNICEF/WHO/World Bank Special Programme of Research, Development and Research Training in Human Reproduction (HRP), Department of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Research, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Anna Thorson
- UNDP/UNFPA/ UNICEF/WHO/World Bank Special Programme of Research, Development and Research Training in Human Reproduction (HRP), Department of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Research, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Evelyn Gitau
- African Population and Health Research Centre, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Seni Kouanda
- Research Institute for Health Sciences, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
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Khairy WA, Elden NMK. NPC POPLINE: A Tool for Population and Reproductive Health Evidence-Based Decisions in Egypt. Open Access Maced J Med Sci 2019; 7:887-892. [PMID: 30962856 PMCID: PMC6447355 DOI: 10.3889/oamjms.2019.212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2019] [Revised: 03/04/2019] [Accepted: 03/05/2019] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Population and Reproductive Health Research (PRHR) should have a crucial role in the policy process in Egypt, providing the evidence for problem identification, priority setting, laying out the alternatives, monitoring and evaluation of implemented evidence-based decisions. Minimally, the practice of evidence-based population and reproductive health requires the access and visibility of such information. AIM In response to the current situation, the Egyptian National Population Council in collaboration with the Information and Decision Support Centre of the Egyptian Cabinet developed the first online bilingual PRHR database entitled "NPC POPLINE" aiming at providing a tool for evidence-based decisions in the field of population and reproductive health in Egypt. METHODS NPC POPLINE is operated by the electronic Library Information System using MARC21 format. Data was collected from all research centres and institutions conducting PRHR in Egypt; the Egyptian Universities Library Consortium and the international POPLINE database by using structured data collection forms. RESULTS NPC POPLINE combines a unique coverage in terms of language (English and Arabic); subject (population and reproductive health) and publication type (peer-reviewed research and grey literature), in addition to the marked search flexibility and the availability of different formats to display the search results. CONCLUSION NPC POPLINE goes beyond the definition of an advanced search engine; it can be used to perform bibliometric studies to evaluate the quantitative and qualitative aspects of PRHR conducted in Egypt. Further studies should be initiated to assess the alignment of the database content to the national and international priorities regarding population and reproductive health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Walaa Ahmed Khairy
- Public Health and Community Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
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Dossou JP, Assarag B, Delamou A, Van der Veken K, Belaid L, Ouédraogo M, Khalfallah S, Aouras H, Diadhiou M, Fassassi R, Delvaux T. Switching the poles in sexual and reproductive health research: implementing a research capacity-strengthening network in West and North Africa. Reprod Health 2016; 13:91. [PMID: 27502593 PMCID: PMC4977648 DOI: 10.1186/s12978-016-0203-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2016] [Accepted: 07/14/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Health research capacities have been improved in Africa but still remain weak as compared to other regions of the World. To strengthen these research capacities, international collaboration and networking for knowledge and capacity transfer are needed. In this commentary, we present the Network for Scientific Support in the field of Sexual and Reproductive Health in West and North Africa, its priority research topics and discuss its implementation process. Established in January 2014, the Network aims at generating human rights and gender-based research fully carried out and driven by South based institutions. It is composed of 12 institutions including the Institute of Tropical Medicine of Antwerp (Belgium) and 11 institutions from eight Francophone West and North African countries. The key areas of interest of this network are health policies analysis and health system research in family planning, HIV prevention among vulnerable groups, quality of care and breast cancers. Since it started, seventeen research proposals based on locally relevant research questions have been developed. Among the seventeen proposals, eleven have been implemented. Several research institutions enhanced linkages with local representations of international partners such as UNFPA. The network is committed to strengthening methodological research capacities and soft skills such as fundraising, advocacy and leadership. Such competencies are strongly needed for developing an effective South-based leadership in Sexual and Reproductive Health research, and for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Paul Dossou
- Centre de Recherche en Reproduction Humaine et en Démographie, CNHU/HKM, Avenue Jean-Paul, Cotonou, Benin. .,Department of Public Health, Institute of Tropical Medicine, 155 Nationalstraat, 2000, Antwerp, Belgium.
| | - Bouchra Assarag
- Ecole Nationale de Santé Publique, Rue Lamfadel Cherkaoui, Madinat Al Irfane, Rabat, Morocco
| | - Alexandre Delamou
- Centre National de Formation et de Recherche en Santé Rurale de Mafèrinyah, Forécariah, Guinée.,Woman and Child Health Research Centre, Institute of Tropical Medicine, 155 Nationalstraat, 2000, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Karen Van der Veken
- Woman and Child Health Research Centre, Institute of Tropical Medicine, 155 Nationalstraat, 2000, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Loubna Belaid
- Woman and Child Health Research Centre, Institute of Tropical Medicine, 155 Nationalstraat, 2000, Antwerp, Belgium.,École de Santé Publique, Université de Montréal, 7101 Av du Parc H3N1X9, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Moctar Ouédraogo
- Agence de Formation, de Recherche et d'Expertise en Santé pour l'Afrique, 773, Rue Guillaume Ouédraogo, Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso
| | - Sonia Khalfallah
- Direction Régionale de la Santé de Nabeul, Rue de la Révolution, Nabeul, Tunisie
| | - Hayet Aouras
- Registre des Cancers d'Annaba, Université d'Annaba, CHU, Annaba, Algérie
| | - Mohamed Diadhiou
- Centre Régional de Formation, de Recherche et de Plaidoyer en Santé de la Reproduction, Maternité Hôpital Aristide Le Dantec, Avenue Pasteur, Dakar, Sénégal
| | - Raïmi Fassassi
- Ecole Nationale Supérieure de Statistique et d'Economie Appliquée, Boulevard Mitterrand, Cocody, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire
| | - Thérèse Delvaux
- Woman and Child Health Research Centre, Institute of Tropical Medicine, 155 Nationalstraat, 2000, Antwerp, Belgium
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