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Greer RC, Kanthawang N, Roest J, Perrone C, Wangrangsimakul T, Parker M, Kelley M, Cheah PY. The challenges and potential solutions of achieving meaningful consent amongst research participants in northern Thailand: a qualitative study. BMC Med Ethics 2023; 24:111. [PMID: 38115021 PMCID: PMC10729394 DOI: 10.1186/s12910-023-00991-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Achieving meaningful consent can be challenging, particularly in contexts of diminished literacy, yet is a vital part of participant protection in global health research. METHOD We explored the challenges and potential solutions of achieving meaningful consent through a qualitative study in a predominantly hill tribe ethnic minority population in northern Thailand, a culturally distinctive population with low literacy. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 37 respondents who had participated in scrub typhus clinical research, their family members, researchers and other key informants. A thematic analysis was conducted. RESULTS Our analysis identified four interrelated themes surrounding participants' ability to give consent: varying degrees of research understanding, limitations of using informal translators, issues impacting decisions to join research, and voluntariness of consent. Suggestions for achieving more meaningful consent included the use of formal translators and community engagement with research populations. CONCLUSIONS Participant's agency in decision making to join research should be supported, but research information needs to be communicated to potential participants in a way that they can understand. We found that improved understanding about the study and its potential benefits and harms goes beyond literacy or translation and requires attention to social and cultural factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel C Greer
- Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.
| | - Nipaphan Kanthawang
- Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Jennifer Roest
- The Ethox Centre, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Carlo Perrone
- Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Tri Wangrangsimakul
- Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Michael Parker
- The Ethox Centre, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Maureen Kelley
- Wellcome Centre for Ethics & Humanities, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Phaik Yeong Cheah
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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Greer RC, Kanthawang N, Roest J, Wangrangsimakul T, Parker M, Kelley M, Cheah PY. Vulnerability and agency in research participants' daily lives and the research encounter: A qualitative case study of participants taking part in scrub typhus research in northern Thailand. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0280056. [PMID: 36696400 PMCID: PMC9876277 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0280056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Researchers have a responsibility to protect all participants, especially vulnerable participants, from harm. Vulnerability is increasingly understood to be context specific, yet limited guidance is available regarding the vulnerability and agency of research participants in different cultural settings. This study aims to explore research participants' daily vulnerability and agency, and how these interact with participants' research experiences in their own words. Researchers' views and responses were also explored. METHODS A qualitative study was conducted around two scrub typhus research studies in northern Thailand. A thematic analysis was carried out on 42 semi-structured interviews with research participants, their families, researchers and key informants. RESULTS The majority of the research participants belonged to a hill tribe ethnic minority group. Common challenges were related to Thai language barriers, travel difficulties, uncertain legal status, unstable employment, lack of education and healthcare. We did not identify new vulnerabilities but we found that the extent of these vulnerabilities might be underestimated or even hidden from researchers in some cases. Despite these challenges people demonstrated agency in their daily lives and were often motivated and supported in this by family members. The majority of perceived research benefits were related to healthcare and gaining knowledge, while attending follow-up visits could be a burden for some. CONCLUSIONS Our approach to research in culturally and socioeconomically diverse settings should be more responsive to participants' specific vulnerabilities and abilities evidenced in their daily life, rather than attributing vulnerability on the basis of membership of pre-defined 'vulnerable groups'. Researchers need to be aware and responsive towards the challenges participants face locally in order to minimise the burdens of research participation whilst allowing participants to benefit from research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel C. Greer
- Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
| | - Nipaphan Kanthawang
- Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Jennifer Roest
- Wellcome Centre for Ethics & Humanities, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- The Ethox Centre, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Tri Wangrangsimakul
- Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Michael Parker
- Wellcome Centre for Ethics & Humanities, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- The Ethox Centre, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Maureen Kelley
- Wellcome Centre for Ethics & Humanities, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- The Ethox Centre, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Phaik Yeong Cheah
- Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- The Ethox Centre, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
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Lawrence S, Namusanya D, Mohamed SB, Hamuza A, Huwa C, Chasweka D, Kelley M, Molyneux S, Voskuijl W, Denno D, Desmond N. Primary motivations for and experiences with paediatric minimally invasive tissue sampling (MITS) participation in Malawi: a qualitative study. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e060061. [PMID: 35676022 PMCID: PMC9185590 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-060061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To understand family member consent decision-making influences and experiences in Malawi in order to inform future minimally invasive tissue sampling (MITS) studies. DESIGN Qualitative study. SETTING Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital (QECH) in Blantyre, Malawi, which serves as the central referral hospital for southern Malawi and where MITS participants were recruited from. PARTICIPANTS Families of paediatric MITS participants. METHODS We conducted in-depth interviews with 16 families 6 weeks after the death of paediatric MITS participants. Data were analysed using a combination of thematic content and theoretical framework approaches to explain the findings. RESULTS Improved cause of death (CoD) ascertainment was the principal motivator for participation to protect remaining or future children. Community burial norms, religious doctrine and relationships with healthcare workers (HCWs) were not reported influencers among family members who consented to the procedure. Primary consenters varied, with single mothers more likely to consent independently or with only female family members present. Clear understanding of MITS procedures appeared limited 6 weeks postprocedure, but research was described as voluntary and preconsent information satisfactory for decision-making. Most families intended to share about MITS only with those involved in the consent process, for fear of rumours or judgement by extended family members and the wider community. CONCLUSION Among those who consented to MITS, decision-making was informed by individual and household experiences and beliefs, but not by religious affiliation or experiences with HCWs. While understanding of the MITS procedure was limited at the time of interview, families found informed consent information sufficient for decision-making. Future MITS studies should continue to explore information presentation best practices to facilitate informed consent during the immediate grieving period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Lawrence
- Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Dave Namusanya
- Behaviour and Health Research Group, Abertay University, Dundee, UK
- Behavior and Health Research Group, Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Programme, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Sumaya B Mohamed
- Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Andrew Hamuza
- Behaviour and Health Research Group, Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Programme, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Cornelius Huwa
- Paediatrics, University of Malawi College of Medicine, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Dennis Chasweka
- Paediatrics, University of Malawi College of Medicine, Blantyre, Malawi
- KEMRI Wellcome Trust Research Programme, The Childhood Acute Illness & Nutrition Network, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Maureen Kelley
- KEMRI Wellcome Trust Research Programme, The Childhood Acute Illness & Nutrition Network, Nairobi, Kenya
- Health Systems Collaborative, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Sassy Molyneux
- KEMRI Wellcome Trust Research Programme, The Childhood Acute Illness & Nutrition Network, Nairobi, Kenya
- Health Systems Collaborative, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Wieger Voskuijl
- KEMRI Wellcome Trust Research Programme, The Childhood Acute Illness & Nutrition Network, Nairobi, Kenya
- Pediatrics, Amsterdam University Medical Centres, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Donna Denno
- KEMRI Wellcome Trust Research Programme, The Childhood Acute Illness & Nutrition Network, Nairobi, Kenya
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Nicola Desmond
- Behaviour and Health Research Group, Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Programme, Blantyre, Malawi
- International Public Health, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
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Lawrence S, Namusanya D, Hamuza A, Huwa C, Chasweka D, Kelley M, Molyneux S, Voskuijl W, Denno DM, Desmond N. Hypothetical acceptability of hospital-based post-mortem pediatric minimally invasive tissue sampling in Malawi: The role of complex social relationships. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0246369. [PMID: 33539411 PMCID: PMC7861399 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0246369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2020] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Child mortality rates remain unacceptably high in low-resource settings. Cause of death (CoD) is often unknown. Minimally invasive tissue sampling (MITS)-using biopsy needles to obtain post-mortem samples-for histopathological and microbiologic investigation is increasingly being promoted to improve child and adult CoD attribution. "MITS in Malawi" is a sub-study of the Childhood Acute Illness & Nutrition (CHAIN) Network, which aims to identify biological and socioeconomic mortality risk factors among young children hospitalized for acute illness or undernutrition. MITS in Malawi employs standard MITS and a novel post-mortem endoscopic intestinal sampling approach to better understand CoD among children with acute illness and/or malnutrition who die during hospitalization. AIM To understand factors that may impact MITS acceptability and inform introduction of the procedure to ascertain CoD among children with acute illness or malnutrition who die during hospitalization in Malawi. METHODS We conducted eight focus group discussions with key hospital staff and community members (religious leaders and parents of children under 5) to explore attitudes towards MITS and inform consent processes prior to commencing the MITS in Malawi study. We used thematic content analysis drawing on a conceptual framework developed from emergent themes and MITS acceptability literature. RESULTS Feelings of power over decision-making within the hospital and household, trust in health systems, and open and respectful health worker communication with parents were important dimensions of MITS acceptability. Other facilitating factors included the potential for MITS to add CoD information to aid sense-making of death and contribute to medical knowledge and new interventions. Potential barriers to acceptability included fears of organ and blood harvesting, disfigurement to the body, and disruption to transportation and burial plans. CONCLUSION Social relationships and power dynamics within healthcare systems and households are a critical component of MITS acceptability, especially given the sensitivity of death and autopsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Lawrence
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Dave Namusanya
- Behaviour and Health Research Group, Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Trust, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Andrew Hamuza
- Behaviour and Health Research Group, Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Trust, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Cornelius Huwa
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, College of Medicine, Blantyre, Malawi
- The Childhood Acute Illness & Nutrition (CHAIN) Network, C/o KEMRI Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Dennis Chasweka
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, College of Medicine, Blantyre, Malawi
- The Childhood Acute Illness & Nutrition (CHAIN) Network, C/o KEMRI Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Maureen Kelley
- The Childhood Acute Illness & Nutrition (CHAIN) Network, C/o KEMRI Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Nairobi, Kenya
- Wellcome Centre for Ethics & Humanities and Ethox Centre, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Sassy Molyneux
- The Childhood Acute Illness & Nutrition (CHAIN) Network, C/o KEMRI Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Nairobi, Kenya
- Wellcome Centre for Ethics & Humanities and Ethox Centre, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Wieger Voskuijl
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, College of Medicine, Blantyre, Malawi
- The Childhood Acute Illness & Nutrition (CHAIN) Network, C/o KEMRI Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Nairobi, Kenya
- Department of Global Health, Amsterdam Institute for Global Health and Development, Amsterdam University Medical Centres, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Centre for Global Child Health, Amsterdam University Medical Centres, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Donna M. Denno
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- The Childhood Acute Illness & Nutrition (CHAIN) Network, C/o KEMRI Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Nairobi, Kenya
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Nicola Desmond
- Behaviour and Health Research Group, Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Trust, Blantyre, Malawi
- Department of International Public Health, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom
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