Study participants preferences for dissemination methods of health research findings at Makerere University, College of Health Sciences

Abstract

Background: Health research findings if not disseminated effectively may negatively impact the lives of the research community. While it is an ethical obligation of researchers to disseminate health research results to study participants, it is challenging to determine the most appropriate methods of dissemination. Study participants may prefer different methods of dissemination of research findings. Objective: This study explored research participants’ preferred methods of dissemination of health research findings at Makerere University College of Health Sciences. Methods: This was a qualitative study that explored study participants’ preferred methods of dissemination of research findings at Makerere University College of Health Sciences. A narrative literature search was initially done via Google Scholar and PubMed, to identify relevant articles that were included in the narrative review. Fifteen former participants of HIV and tuberculosis research studies at Makerere University College of Health Sciences were then purposively selected, to take part in in-depth interviews. Interviews were conducted in English and Luganda, audio-recorded and later transcribed verbatim. Data was analyzed manually, using thematic content analysis, through which codes and themes emerged. Findings were presented as quotes. Results: There were 12 female and three male participants. Most participants (9/15) were aged 18-29 years and 9/15 had attained ordinary-level education. From the literature search, 13 articles were found to be relevant as they described with sufficient detail the various methods of dissemination of health research findings. In regards to preferred methods of dissemination of health research findings, participants preferred to receive their results as individuals, or through group meetings and phone calls. Others preferred print media such as newspapers, while for some, it was through radios and TVs. On perceptions towards the importance of dissemination, participants stated that dissemination helps to inform about the effectiveness of interventions that have been/are being researched about, improved health and encourage participation according to some respondents. Conclusion: Group meetings and face-to-face sessions were the most preferred methods of dissemination of research findings. Participants indicated that dissemination of findings facilitates knowledge acquisition about a particular health outcome. These findings suggest that researchers should consider making maximum use of physical sessions when planning to disseminate their findings.