Grand Challenges in Global Health: Community engagement in research in developing countries
2007

Community Engagement in Research in Developing Countries

publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Paulina Onvomaha Tindana, Jerome A. Singh, C. Shawn Tracy, Ross E. G. Upshur, Abdallah S. Daar, Peter A. Singer, Janet Frohlich, James V. Lavery

Primary Institution: University of Toronto

Hypothesis

There have been few systematic attempts to determine the effectiveness of community engagement in research.

Conclusion

Community engagement is crucial for the success of research in developing countries, as it helps to ensure that research activities are relevant and beneficial to the communities involved.

Supporting Evidence

  • Community engagement helps to ensure that research activities are relevant to the needs of the community.
  • Successful research in developing countries often depends on the involvement of local stakeholders.
  • There is a growing recognition that communities can suffer harm from participation in research without adequate protections.

Takeaway

When researchers want to study health issues in communities, they need to work together with the people in those communities to make sure the research is helpful and respectful.

Methodology

The article summarizes various models and principles of community engagement in research, emphasizing the importance of collaboration with local communities.

Potential Biases

The research may not adequately represent the views and needs of the communities involved.

Limitations

There is little empirical data on the effectiveness of community engagement in international collaborative research.

Participant Demographics

The focus is on communities in developing countries, particularly marginalized populations.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pmed.0040273

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