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Rapid Ethical Appraisal (REA) of stakeholder views on research prior to undertaking immunopathogenesis studies on podoconiosis in northeast Ethiopia during a period of social instability

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Version 2 2023-06-12, 09:42
Version 1 2023-06-09, 22:52
journal contribution
posted on 2023-06-12, 09:42 authored by Mikias Negash, Menberework Chanyalew, Tewodros Gebresilase, Bizunesh Sintayehu, Temesgen Anteye, Abraham Aseffa, Melanie NewportMelanie Newport
Background Undertaking research and attaining informed consent can be challenging when there is political unrest and community mistrust. Rapid ethical appraisal (REA) is a tool that uses qualitative methods to explore sociocultural issues that may affect the ethical conduct of research. Methods We used REA in northeast Ethiopia shortly following a period of unrest, during which violence against researchers occurred, to assess stakeholder perceptions of research, researchers and the informed consent process. We held 32 in-depth interviews and 2 focus group discussions. Results Most community members had little awareness about podoconiosis or healthcare research. Convincing the community to donate blood for research is challenging due to association with HIV testing. The attack on researchers was mainly motivated by the community's mistrust of their intentions against the background of a volatile political situation. Social media contributed to the spread of misinformation. Lack of community engagement was also a key contributing factor. Conclusions Using REA, we identified potential barriers to the informed consent process, participant recruitment for data and specimen collection and the smooth conduct of research. Researchers should assess existing conditions in the study area and engage with the community to increase awareness prior to commencing their research activities.

History

Publication status

  • Published

File Version

  • Published version

Journal

Transactions of the Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene

ISSN

0035-9203

Publisher

Oxford University Press

Page range

1-13

Department affiliated with

  • Global Health and Infection Publications

Full text available

  • Yes

Peer reviewed?

  • Yes

Legacy Posted Date

2021-01-22

First Open Access (FOA) Date

2021-03-12

First Compliant Deposit (FCD) Date

2021-01-26

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