Towards diaspora-driven research capacity strengthening in low- and middle-income countries: results from India and Nepal. Issue 3 (12th October 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Varadaraj, Varshini; Ranjit, Anju; Nwadiuko, Joseph; Canner, Joseph; Diener-West, Marie; Schneider, Eric B; Thyagarajan, Sadras Panchatcharam; Shrestha, Rajeev; Nagarajan, Neeraja
• Is Part Of: International health. Volume 11:Issue 3(2019)
• Page Start: 221
• Page End: 228
• Publication Date: 2018-10-12
• Subjects: Diaspora health workers -- low- and middle-income countries -- research attitudes -- research barriers -- research capacity strengthening; World health -- Periodicals; Public health -- Developing countries -- Periodicals; Medical care -- Developing countries -- Periodicals; Medical policy -- Developing countries -- Periodicals; 362.1091724
• DOI: 10.1093/inthealth/ihy076
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1876-3413

Abstract

Abstract: Background: Biomedical research from high-income countries often informs practice and policy in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) with vastly different socioeconomic and health systems. Engagement of LMIC-based researchers is integral to setting research priorities in the local context. Methods: A program, comprising a research seminar and workshop, and utilizing diaspora health professionals to understand research needs and build research capacity in LMICs, was created and pilot-tested at two institutions in India (65 participants) and Nepal (30 participants). Pre- and post-program surveys were instituted to assess participants' attitudes towards research. Results: In the pre-program survey, most participants (India: 76%, Nepal: 100%) perceived research as 'very/extremely important' in their careers. However, a majority felt that finding time (India: 75%, Nepal: 81%) and funding (India: 82%, Nepal: 100%) for research was 'difficult/very difficult'. After the program, 86–91% and 86–100% of participants from India and Nepal, respectively, felt that the various courses were very useful/useful for their research careers. Conclusions: Research is seen as an integral part of educational training and career advancement in LMICs. However, inadequate training, funding and mentorship remain a challenge. Engagement of diaspora health workers may serve as an important avenue for collaborative biomedical research capacity strengthening in LMICs.