Semeere Aggrey S, Semitala Fred C, Lunkuse Olivia, Katahoire Anne, Sewankambo Nelson K, Kamya Moses R
Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University, P.O. Box 22418, Kampala, Uganda.
Implementation Science programme, Department of Medicine, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda.
Health Res Policy Syst. 2021 Feb 8;19(1):14. doi: 10.1186/s12961-020-00653-2.
In Uganda and other resource-poor countries, relevant research findings face a tortuous path to translation into policy and routine practice. Implementation science (ImSc) research could facilitate faster translation. Presently it is unclear what ImSc research capacity and possible training needs exist among Ugandan researchers. To assess both components, we interviewed potential trainees in Kampala, Uganda.
We used a cross-sectional design to survey potential ImSc trainees who had some research training and involvement in generating or utilizing research. Using a questionnaire, we documented eligibility for ImSc training, knowledge and interest in training, existing self-assessed confidence in initiating clinical research (SCICR) and self-assessed confidence in initiating ImSc research (SCIIR), availability for training and preferred modes of training. We developed scores from the Likert scales and used descriptive statistics, logistic regression and ordinal logistic regression to evaluate predictors of SCIIR.
Between November 2016 and April 2017, we interviewed 190 participants; 60% were men, with a median age of 37 years. Among participants, 33% comprised faculty, 37% were graduate students and 30% were project staff. The majority of respondents knew about ImSc (73%) and were research-trained (80%). Only 9% reported any ImSc-related training. Previous ImSc training was associated with higher odds of a SCIIR score ≥ 75th percentile. Previous ImSc training compared to not having any training was associated with higher odds of reporting abilities in behaviour change theory integration (OR: 3.3, 95% CI: 1.3-8.5, p = 0.01) and framework use in intervention design and implementation (OR: 2.9, 95% CI: 1.1-7.4, p = 0.03), accounting for age, sex and current employment. In addition, 53% of participants preferred in-person (face-to-face) short ImSc courses compared to a year-long training, while 33% preferred online courses. Participants reported median availability of 6 hours per week (IQR: 4, 10) for training.
Most participants had some understanding of ImSc research, had research training and were interested in ImSc training. Those with previous ImSc training had better skills and SCIIR, compared to those without previous training. A hybrid approach with modular face-to-face training and online sessions would suit the preferences of most potential trainees.
在乌干达和其他资源匮乏的国家，相关研究成果在转化为政策和日常实践的道路上曲折漫长。实施科学（ImSc）研究有助于加快转化进程。目前尚不清楚乌干达研究人员的实施科学研究能力以及可能的培训需求情况。为评估这两个方面，我们在乌干达坎帕拉对潜在学员进行了访谈。
我们采用横断面设计，对有一定研究培训经历且参与过研究成果产出或应用的潜在实施科学学员进行调查。通过问卷，我们记录了实施科学培训的资格、对培训的知识和兴趣、现有的自我评估开展临床研究的信心（SCICR）以及自我评估开展实施科学研究的信心（SCIIR）、培训的可参与性以及偏好的培训方式。我们从李克特量表得出分数，并使用描述性统计、逻辑回归和有序逻辑回归来评估SCIIR的预测因素。
2016年11月至2017年4月期间，我们访谈了190名参与者；60%为男性，中位年龄为37岁。参与者中，33%为教员，37%为研究生，30%为项目工作人员。大多数受访者了解实施科学（73%）且接受过研究培训（80%）。只有9%报告接受过任何与实施科学相关的培训。先前的实施科学培训与SCIIR得分≥第75百分位数的较高几率相关。与未接受任何培训相比，先前的实施科学培训与在行为改变理论整合方面报告能力的较高几率相关（比值比：3.3，95%置信区间：1.3 - 8.5，p = 0.01）以及在干预设计和实施中使用框架的较高几率相关（比值比：2.9，95%置信区间：1.1 - 7.4，p = 0.03），同时考虑了年龄、性别和当前就业情况。此外，与为期一年的培训相比，53%的参与者更喜欢面对面的短期实施科学课程，而33%更喜欢在线课程。参与者报告每周用于培训的中位时间为6小时（四分位间距：4，10）。
大多数参与者对实施科学研究有一定了解，接受过研究培训且对实施科学培训感兴趣。与未接受过先前培训的人相比，接受过先前实施科学培训的人具备更好的技能和SCIIR。一种将模块化面对面培训和在线课程相结合的方法将符合大多数潜在学员的偏好。
