Building Disability Research Capacity in Low-Income Contexts: Possibilities and Challenges

2009 ◽  
pp. 91-103 ◽  
Author(s):  
Leslie Swartz
Keyword(s):  
Low Income ◽  
Research Capacity ◽  
Disability Research

Building research capacity and capabilities in Fiji: are we there yet?

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (5) ◽  
pp. 265-271
Author(s):  
Jyotishna Mudaliar ◽  
Bridget Kool ◽  
Janice Natasha ◽  
Judith McCool
Keyword(s):  
Low Income ◽  
Research Capacity ◽  
Research Knowledge ◽  
Research Skills ◽  
Research Findings ◽  
Access And Quality ◽  
The University ◽  
Local Investigator ◽  
Research Capacity Development

Introduction: A barrier to local investigator-led research in low income settings, is the limited availability of personnel with appropriate research skills or qualifications to conduct the type of research required for evidence-informed policy making to improve access and quality of health care. In response to this, Fiji National University’s College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences in Fiji, collaborated with academics based at the University of Auckland, New Zealand to deliver a series of research capacity development workshops in Fiji. Methods: Participants who attended any of the nine workshops (n=123) were contacted via email to take part in a brief survey regarding their perceptions of the effectiveness of the research capacity building workshops. Of the possible 123 participants, 80% (n=76) completed the questionnaire.  Results: Findings demonstrate that the majority of participants reported that they had gained research skills from the workshops (75%) including proposal development skills (68%) and knowledge of appropriate research methods (59%). Furthermore, 70% agreed that the workshops built their research confidence.  Since attending a workshop, 18% of respondents had successfully applied and received funding for research grants and/or fellowships.  Barriers to conduct research included workload (75%), lack of research knowledge, experience or skills (51%), and lack of institutional support (41%). Suggestions for future workshops included: more focus on data analysis, regular courses rather than ‘one offs’, and preparation of research findings (e.g. publications). Conclusion: Our findings indicate that research workshops of this nature may increase individual research capabilities but sustained, locally led initiatives, backed by institutional and supplementary technical support are essential.

scholarly journals A North–South-South partnership in higher education to develop health research capacity in the Democratic Republic of the Congo: the challenge of finding a common language

2021 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Christiane Horwood ◽  
Sphindile Mapumulo ◽  
Lyn Haskins ◽  
Vaughn John ◽  
Silondile Luthuli ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Health Research ◽  
Democratic Republic ◽  
Academic Staff ◽  
Research Capacity ◽  
Nutritional Epidemiology ◽  
Low Income Countries ◽  
Republic Of The Congo ◽  
English Speaking

Abstract Background Globally, increasing numbers of higher education institutions (HEIs) in non-English-speaking countries have adopted English as a medium of instruction (EMI), because of the perception that this provides opportunities to attract high-calibre students and academic staff, and engage with the international research community. We report an evaluation of a North–South-South collaboration to develop health research capacity in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) by establishing a postgraduate programme in nutritional epidemiology at the Kinshasa School of Public Health (KSPH), where EMI was adopted. We report experiences and perceptions of stakeholders, facilitators and students about using EMI. Methods In-depth qualitative interviews were conducted between October and December 2019 among convenience sampled stakeholders (8), facilitators (11) and students (12) involved in the programme from all three partner institutions (University of Kinshasa; University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa; University of Bergen, Norway). Interviews were conducted in participants’ language of preference (English or French), audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and translated into English when required. Analysis employed a thematic approach. Results Most participants viewed EMI positively, reporting that studying in English created opportunities to access relevant literature, improve interactions with the scientific community and advance their careers. As a result of adopting EMI, some students had opportunities to present research findings at international conferences and publish their research in English. English-speaking researchers from partner institutions were able to participate in supervision of students’ research. However, inadequate English competency, particularly among students, was challenging, with some students reporting being unable to understand or interact in class, which negatively affected their academic performance. Further, EMI created barriers at KSPH among academic staff who were not proficient in English, leading to poor participation among non-English-speaking staff and lack of integration with other postgraduate programmes. Participants suggested additional English language support for EMI. Conclusion Partnerships between HEIs could be a powerful tool to develop research capacity in low-income countries in line with United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. EMI could be a solution to language barriers faced by many such partnerships, but wide-ranging support to develop English proficiency among staff and students is essential to ensure that the challenges do not outweigh the benefits.

New Trends in Interaction of Developed and Developing Countries in Innovation Sphere

2012 ◽  
pp. 3-14
Author(s):  
A. Eroshkin ◽  
M. Petrov
Keyword(s):  
Developing Countries ◽  
International Relations ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Research Capacity ◽  
Transnational Corporations ◽  
Income Groups ◽  
Global Innovation ◽  
Low Income Groups ◽  
Adaptive Nature

The economic and innovative rise of the developing states stimulated a deep restructuring of the existing system of international relations in science and technology sphere. As the article points, one of the main manifestations of this trend can be seen in the transformation of global innovation strategies of transnational corporations. The world’s largest TNCs, mostly based in the industrial nations, have begun to transfer growing segments and parts of their R&D programs to the developing countries in order to take advantage of their increased research capacity. As a result, the nature of the projects being implemented there by the TNCs is changing. Historically, the TNCs’ local R&D activities were of adaptive nature. Namely, the stress was made on modification of the products and services offered by the TNCS globally to the specifics of local markets. Currently, a growing number of transnational corporations are implementing the large-scale programs in the developing countries aimed at designing new types of products, including those targeted at the low-income groups of consumers that make up the bulk of the population in developing countries.

scholarly journals 1669. Trends in Authorship for Infectious Disease Research Conducted in Low-Income Countries

2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. S610-S611
Author(s):  
Chelsea E Modlin ◽  
Kimberly Powell ◽  
Russell R Kempker
Keyword(s):  
Infectious Disease ◽  
Infectious Diseases ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Research Capacity ◽  
Low Income Countries ◽  
Health Priorities ◽  
Original Research ◽  
Local Health ◽  
Open Forum ◽  
Research Collaborations

Abstract Background Research capacity in low-income countries (LICs) plays an important role in strengthening national healthcare systems and addressing local health priorities. Research in infectious diseases is especially important as they comprise five of the top 10 causes of death in LICs. While academic collaborations between high-income countries (HICs) and LICs offer many benefits, they also risk structural and professional imbalances. This study explores research capacity as a function of first or last authorship and funding for research conducted in LICs that is published in high-impact infectious disease journals. Methods A literature search using the abstract database Scopus was completed for original research conducted within LICs or using samples collected from LIC subjects published between 1998 – 2017 in Clinical Infectious Diseases, Journal of Infectious Diseases, and Open Forum Infectious Diseases. Primary outcomes included the number of LIC first and last authors compared with HIC authors over time. Secondary outcomes included the geographic distribution of research and the proportion of research financed by LICs. Results A total of 1380 articles were identified of which 20% had LIC first authors and 21% had first authors with dual LIC/HIC affiliations. For last authors, 13% were affiliated with a LIC and 15% had dual LIC/HIC affiliation. HIC researchers compiled the majority of first and last authors regardless of geography (Figure 1). The number of studies conducted in LICs increased over the 20-year timeframe (Figure 2) but is attributed to an increase in articles with HIC authors. The number of LIC authors remained unchanged resulting in a decreasing proportion of LIC authors. Only 4% of articles received funding from a LIC; however, 79% of these studies were authored by LIC researchers vs. 39% of studies funded by HIC sources. Conclusion There is a growing appreciation for international HIC/LIC research collaborations with the objective to reduce the burden of infectious diseases that disproportionately affect low-income settings. However, with this increased attention comes the responsibility to improve LIC research capacity. This includes promoting LIC researchers via authorship and supporting sustainability with funding that highlights LIC priorities. Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.

scholarly journals Improving Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Knowledge and Skills to Develop Health Research Capacity in Kenya

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Aliza Monroe-Wise ◽  
John Kinuthia ◽  
Sherrilynne Fuller ◽  
Matthew Dunbar ◽  
David Masuda ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Data Management ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Clinical Care ◽  
Research Capacity ◽  
Information And Communications Technology ◽  
Learning Program ◽  
Knowledge And Skills ◽  
Low Resource Settings ◽  
Low Resource ◽  
Ict Tools

ObjectivesInformation and communication technology (ICT) tools are increasingly important for clinical care, research, data management, international collaborations, and dissemination. Many technologies would be particularly useful for healthcare workers in resource-limited settings; however, these individuals are the least likely to utilize ICT tools, in part because they lack knowledge and skills necessary to use them. Our program aimed to train researchers in low-resource settings on using ICT tools.MethodsWe conducted a tiered, blended learning program for researchers in Kenya on three areas of ICT: geographic information systems, data management, and communication tools. Tiers included didactic online courses for 100-300 students for each topic, skills workshops for 30 students, and mentored projects for 10. Concurrently, a training of trainers course comprised of an online course and a skills workshop to ensure sustainable ongoing training.ResultsCourse ratings were high, particularly when participants engaged in hands-on skill building activities. Teaching that incorporated local examples was most valuable. Discussion boards were sometimes distracting, depending on multiple factors. Mentored projects were most useful when there were clear expectations, pre-existing projects or data, and clear timelines.DiscussionTraining in the use of ICT tools is essential to improve their use among researchers in low-income settings. However, very few training courses have been described. Our students demonstrated acquisition of new skills and felt these skills to be valuable in their workplaces.ConclusionsFurther and ongoing training in ICT skills should be considered in other low-resource settings, and could use our program as a foundational model.

scholarly journals Closing the Mental Health Gap in Low-income Settings by Building Research Capacity: Perspectives from Mozambique

2014 ◽  
Vol 80 (2) ◽  
pp. 126 ◽  
Author(s):  
Annika C. Sweetland ◽  
Maria A. Oquendo ◽  
Mohsin Sidat ◽  
Palmira F. Santos ◽  
Sten H. Vermund ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Research Capacity ◽  
Building Research ◽  
Health Gap

scholarly journals Research capacity of global health institutions in China: a gap analysis focusing on their collaboration with other low-income and middle-income countries

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (7) ◽  
pp. e005607
Author(s):  
Xiaoxiao Kwete ◽  
Kun Tang ◽  
Feng Cheng ◽  
Yingyao Chen ◽  
Yuan-Tao Hao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Global Health ◽  
Bibliometric Analysis ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Gap Analysis ◽  
Mainland China ◽  
Research Capacity ◽  
Academic Community ◽  
Global Health Research ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Health Institutions

IntroductionThis paper presented qualitative and quantitative data collected on the research capacity of global health institutions in China and aimed to provide a landscaping review of the development of global health as a new discipline in the largest emerging economy of the world.MethodsMixed methods were used and they included a bibliometric analysis, a standardised survey and indepth interviews with top officials of 11 selected global health research and educational institutions in mainland China.ResultsThe bibliometric analysis revealed that each institution had its own focus areas, some with a balanced focus among chronic illness, infectious disease and health systems, while others only focused on one of these areas. Interviews of key staff from each institution showed common themes: recognition that the current research capacity in global health is relatively weak, optimism towards the future, as well as an emphasis on mutual beneficial networking with other countries. Specific obstacles raised and the solutions applied by each institution were listed and discussed.ConclusionGlobal health institutions in China are going through a transition from learning and following established protocols to taking a more leading role in setting up China’s own footprint in this area. Gaps still remain, both in comparison with international institutions, as well as between the leading Chinese institutions and those that have just started. More investment needs to be made, from both public and private domains, to improve the overall capacity as well as the mutual learning and communication within the academic community in China.

Perspectives on Disabilities in Sierra Leone

2021 ◽  
pp. 002246692110650
Author(s):  
Kristi L. Morin ◽  
Brianne R. Tomaszewski ◽  
Kathleen Bauer ◽  
Alyssa M. Blasko ◽  
Grace B. Enriquez ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sierra Leone ◽  
Low Income ◽  
People With Disabilities ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Community Members ◽  
Low Income Country ◽  
Qualitative Responses ◽  
Disability Research ◽  
Method Approach ◽  
Insight Into

Most disability research originates from high-income countries, masking important cultural variability in how disability is conceptualized. Through 199 interviews with people living in Sierra Leone, we investigated the following research questions: (1) what are the experiences of community members with people with disabilities?; (2) what employment options or other resources are available for people with disabilities?; and (3) how do community members perceive people with disabilities? We used a mixed-method approach to data analysis by quantitizing the qualitative responses to further examine whether participants’ responses differed by urbanicity, age, or level of education. The results of this study provide insight into how disability is understood in a low-income country and reveal important directions for future research.

DOHaD in low- and middle-income countries: a systematic review exploring gaps in DOHaD population studies

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. 557-563
Author(s):  
Siobhan Tu’akoi ◽  
Mark H. Vickers ◽  
Jacquie L. Bay
Keyword(s):  
Low Income ◽  
Early Life ◽  
Western Europe ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Research Capacity ◽  
Low Income Countries ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Middle Income Countries ◽  
Incidence Risk ◽  
Low And Middle Income

AbstractLow- and middle-income countries (LMICs) are disproportionately affected by non-communicable diseases (NCDs), accounting for more than 80% of NCD-related deaths globally. Research into early-life influences on these diseases via the developmental origins of health and disease (DOHaD) paradigm has informed health promotion interventions and policies focused on optimising early-life health. However, little is known about where this research occurs and whether it reaches and reflects the countries most affected by NCDs. This review searched for DOHaD studies that investigated relationships between factors during pregnancy and at birth, with later-life NCD incidence, risk and related mortality. The aim of this review was to identify where DOHaD research has been conducted and whether this focus is appropriate and relevant, given the differential burden of NCDs. Embase, MEDLINE and Scopus were searched, and eligibility screening processes identified 136 final articles. This review found that 49.7% of DOHaD research was conducted on populations within Western Europe, 15.9% in East Asia, 12.7% in North America, 8.3% in Latin America and the Caribbean, and fewer in Australasia, South Asia, the Middle East, the Africas, and Central Asia. When categorised by income, this review found that 76.4% of studies were based in high-income countries, 19.1% in upper-middle-income and 4.5% in lower-middle-income countries. No studies were based in low-income countries. There is therefore a marked disconnect between where DOHaD research is undertaken and where the greatest NCD disease burden exists. Increasing DOHaD research capacity in LMICs is crucial to informing local strategies that can contribute to reducing the incidence of NCDs.

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