Abstract

Medical training programs in developing countries stress the basic sciences and the core medical and clinical courses. Instruction in applied research methods and techniques is seldom included at first degree level. However, most developing countries stress the primary health care approach which requires health personnel to be familiar with applied research methods. This training workshop will provide short-term intensive training in applied research methods in the health sciences. Researchers and policy advisors from selected Southern Africa countries will acquire basic skills needed to develop research priorities, identify researchable health problems, and to write-up research proposals and projects.

Post-Project Summary

From November 16 to December 5, 1986, this project trained a total of 23 participants from Swaziland (12), Botswana (3), Malawi (2), Lesotho (5), and Colombia (1) in health services applied research methods. The course familiarized young researchers with basic skills of applied research methods and allowed them to develop four project proposals based on priority health problems. Proposals were: "A study of the factors that influence mothers in the management of childhood diarrhoea in Molepolole village"; "A study of the factors contributing to defaulting in treatment of tuberculosis (T.B.) in the Hhohho and Manizini regions of Swaziland"; "A study of the factors that influence defaulting or continuity in the use of modern contraceptive methods by Swazi-women in Mangweni (rural) and Mbabane (urban and peri-urban) in Swaziland"; and "A study of the factors that contribute to intersectorial coordination and collaboration in drinking water activities in Sithobela (Swaziland), Leribe (Lesotho), and Nathanje (Malawi)". The course resulted in two proposals being submitted to IDRC for funding, and the organization, by the Lesotho participants, of a national workshop.

Recipient Institution(s)