Submission ID 118378
| Issue/Objective | Global health research is criticized for perpetuating colonial dynamics in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), particularly when foreign researchers show little consideration for local involvement. While community participation in research has decolonizing potential, challenges to authentic participation persist, particularly in urban settings. Researchers should address potential barriers and leverage enablers to foster equitable collaborations. We conducted a scoping review to identify factors influencing the participation of urban LMIC communities in global health research, using fuzzy cognitive mapping (FCM) to illustrate findings. |
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| Methodology/Approach | Our review followed Joanna Briggs Institute's and PRISMA-ScR guidelines. In December 2022, we searched six databases (MEDLINE, Embase, Global Health, Web of Science, CINAHL, Cochrane) for articles in English or French using keywords for 'LMICs', 'community participation in research', and 'urban settings'. Two reviewers screened articles in Covidence and extracted data in Airtable. We used FCM, a tool based on graph theory and fuzzy logic, to represent factors influencing community participation in research. FCM produces maps modelling complex issues through nodes (perceived causes) and arrows (relationships between causes). FCM analysis uses discourse, thematic, and social network analysis. |
| Results | Our search yielded 7,994 articles; 59 met our inclusion criteria. We extracted 251 factors influencing participation through 1,623 relationships. We grouped factors into categories to facilitate interpretation. We built a synthesized map representing the five categories with the strongest influence on participation: 1) difficult researcher-community relationships, 2) contextually adapted research methods and activities, 3) meaningful community involvement and decision-making power, 4) logistical challenges, 5) valuing different knowledge types. Findings highlight that how researchers choose to conduct research - whether they build trust, adapt practices, or relinquish power - matters. Contexts also matter, as urbanity alters social dynamics and brings logistical challenges. |
| Discussion/Conclusion | Our review can help global health researchers be more reflexive in their approaches to community-engaged research, encouraging them to ask questions and spend time with communities before beginning studies to understand their perspectives, expectations, and needs. We contextualized findings in a participatory process with communities in Dhaka (Bangladesh) in 2023-2024 for an upcoming study. This work supports ongoing conversations about shifting power and fostering local ownership in global health research governance. |
| Presenters and affiliations | Marie-Catherine Gagnon-Dufresne School of Public Health, University of Montréal Sarah Cooper School of Public Health, University of Montréal Mizan Rahman James P Grant School of Public Health, BRAC University Protyasha Ghosh James P Grant School of Public Health, BRAC University Iván Sarmiento Participatory Research at McGill, McGill University Neil Andersson Participatory Research at McGill, McGill University Kate Zinszer School of Public Health, University of Montréal |
