Submission ID 117075
| Issue/Objective | Low-income countries bear 25% of the global disease burden but receive 2% of research funds. MicroResearch (MR) works to address these inequities through an innovative strategy aimed at building research capacity of local health care professionals to ask research questions aimed at solving local community health issues and implementing research aimed at finding local solutions. |
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| Methodology/Approach | In October 2024, MR held a hybrid forum with in-person sites in Kenya and Uganda with virtual and in person participation from 4 other African countries and Canada. One theme explored was "Research in Primary Healthcare and Disease Prevention to Promote Community Well-being". Discussion groups at African sites answered set questions related to gaps in research, research funding and ways to engage with communities to better address their priorities in research and in MR work. Group discussion points were recorded, collated and presented to the larger group for further discussion. Additional input was sought from virtual participants through an online survey. Common and important ideas and themes were summarized by two facilitators and reviewed by participants. |
| Results | 87 local health care professionals participated in person and 29 individuals answered the online survey. Gaps identified focused on care for neglected vulnerable populations (e.g. elderly, disability); cultural practices influencing primary healthcare and behaviour; delivery of care (resource allocation, cost, integration with wellness); mental health and other specific areas such as dental health and rehabilitation services. Participants saw opportunities to address gaps through ensuring research has a focus on prevention, working to ensure basic data is collected in neglected areas, advocating to funders, and sharing these gaps with researchers within and outside of the MR network. The importance of community dialogue and participation of community members in the design, implementation and translation of research was stressed. Participants suggested ways for MR to help address these gaps. |
| Discussion/Conclusion | Local health care professionals identified numerous gaps in research in their Eastern African communities. Advocacy is needed locally, nationally and internationally to grow this important area of research, while ensuring communities are involved in prioritizing and implementing research in order to support positive changes in local primary health. |
| Presenters and affiliations | Elizabeth Cummings Dalhousie University Leah Bii Kenya Medical Training College Schola Ashaba Mbarara University of Science and Technology Kelly Hunter IWK Health Teddy Kyomuhangi Mbarara University of Science and Technology Robert Bortolussi Dalhousie University |
