Skip to content
Home
About Us
Resources
Profiles Metrics
Authors Directory
Institutions Directory
Top Authors
Top Institutions
Top Sponsors
AI Digest
Contact Us
Menu
Home
About Us
Resources
Profiles Metrics
Authors Directory
Institutions Directory
Top Authors
Top Institutions
Top Sponsors
AI Digest
Contact Us
Home
About Us
Resources
Profiles Metrics
Authors Directory
Institutions Directory
Top Authors
Top Institutions
Top Sponsors
AI Digest
Contact Us
Menu
Home
About Us
Resources
Profiles Metrics
Authors Directory
Institutions Directory
Top Authors
Top Institutions
Top Sponsors
AI Digest
Contact Us
Publication Details
AFRICAN RESEARCH NEXUS
SHINING A SPOTLIGHT ON AFRICAN RESEARCH
Translating research into policy: Lessons learned from eclampsia treatment and malaria control in three southern African countries
Health Research Policy and Systems, Volume 7, Article 31, Year 2009
Notification
URL copied to clipboard!
Description
Background: Little is known about the process of knowledge translation in low- and middle-income countries. We studied policymaking processes in Mozambique, South Africa and Zimbabwe to understand the factors affecting the use of research evidence in national policy development, with a particular focus on the findings from randomized control trials (RCTs). We examined two cases: the use of magnesium sulphate (MgSO4) in the treatment of eclampsia in pregnancy (a clinical case); and the use of insecticide treated bed nets and indoor residual household spraying for malaria vector control (a public health case).Methods: We used a qualitative case-study methodology to explore the policy making process. We carried out key informants interviews with a range of research and policy stakeholders in each country, reviewed documents and developed timelines of key events. Using an iterative approach, we undertook a thematic analysis of the data.Findings: Prior experience of particular interventions, local champions, stakeholders and international networks, and the involvement of researchers in policy development were important in knowledge translation for both case studies. Key differences across the two case studies included the nature of the evidence, with clear evidence of efficacy for MgSO4 and ongoing debate regarding the efficacy of bed nets compared with spraying; local researcher involvement in international evidence production, which was stronger for MgSO4 than for malaria vector control; and a long-standing culture of evidence-based health care within obstetrics. Other differences were the importance of bureaucratic processes for clinical regulatory approval of MgSO4, and regional networks and political interests for malaria control. In contrast to treatment policies for eclampsia, a diverse group of stakeholders with varied interests, differing in their use and interpretation of evidence, was involved in malaria policy decisions in the three countries.Conclusion: Translating research knowledge into policy is a complex and context sensitive process. Researchers aiming to enhance knowledge translation need to be aware of factors influencing the demand for different types of research; interact and work closely with key policy stakeholders, networks and local champions; and acknowledge the roles of important interest groups. © 2009 Woelk et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.
Authors & Co-Authors
Woelk, Godfrey B.
Zimbabwe, Harare
University of Zimbabwe
United States, Research Triangle Park
Rti International
Daniels, Karen L.
South Africa, Tygerberg
South African Medical Research Council
Cliff, Julie L.
Mozambique, Maputo
Universidade Eduardo Mondlane
Lewin, Simon A.
South Africa, Tygerberg
South African Medical Research Council
Norway, Oslo
Nasjonalt Kunnskapssenter for Helsetjenesten
Sevene, Esperança Jp
Mozambique, Maputo
Universidade Eduardo Mondlane
Fernandes, Benedita
Mozambique, Maputo
Instituto Nacional de Saude Maputo
Mariano, Alda R.E.
Mozambique, Maputo
Universidade Eduardo Mondlane
Matinhure, Sheillah
Zimbabwe, Harare
University of Zimbabwe
Oxman, Andrew David
Norway, Oslo
Nasjonalt Kunnskapssenter for Helsetjenesten
Lavis, John Norman
Canada, Hamilton
Mcmaster University
Stålsby-Lundborg, Cecilia
Sweden, Stockholm
Karolinska Institutet
Statistics
Citations: 72
Authors: 11
Affiliations: 8
Identifiers
Doi:
10.1186/1478-4505-7-31
e-ISSN:
14784505
Research Areas
Health System And Policy
Infectious Diseases
Maternal And Child Health
Sexual And Reproductive Health
Study Design
Randomised Control Trial
Study Approach
Qualitative
Study Locations
Mozambique
South Africa
Zimbabwe