[Erica]

1. In my site what determines the importance of  involving a stakeholder in  research activities, first is the nature of study  (i.e. vaccine trial or HIV cohort with out much intervention), we sometime check the location/ geographical area where we recruit participants , also the area or the aspect from which she/he will represent the community e.g from women groups or youths or religion just to make sure that we have a wide range of stake holders who can contribute , advice or comment on the study procedures or design in connection to the target population.

2. I agree with you sometimes managing multiple partners is difficult especially when you have people with difficult personalities among the stakeholders. However in my  experience if we have to deal with two groups  that might not agree on some easily we normally conduct discussion in two separate groups and when we  have an agreement that is okay with both side then  we tell the to choose one or two representatives from the groups who will participate either in a bigger group discussion or in a seminar or meeting.However in most cases we have managed to sustain partnership with out much strain.

 

[Erica]

Thanks Nokulanga and Jessica,

other important links i may think in formative research at my area is having discussion forum or meetings with local government authorities (LGA), area counselors and community chiefs (famously known as MWENE). These are people who are very respected, trusted and influential in the community, if the research team has all the support from these people entry and recruitment in that community will be smooth. Furthermore these are the people who understand very well the culture, beliefs and norms of the particular area they always give advise or guidance on what or how to approach some of the sensitive matters or issues that might be of the concern in the area. on the other hand if something goes wrong with regards to study  or there is  misconception or concern we want to manage we always use the same stakeholders to seat together and discuss how to talk the matter

[Erica]

Hi  Denver and Steve,

In my community the situation is similar to yours, HIV epidemic is high in general population more women are infected than men. Also Mother to child transmission had a greater uptake but now is getting better with presence of  PMTCT -B plus in place

 

[Erica]

1.  I think formative research is part or step of community  engagement that assists the research team to understand the study population and trying to set the right foot in the community for the success of the trial

2.  For our upcoming Vaccine trial at this stage we have involved the CAB members about the trial in general ( tTarget population,  numbero f participants to be enrolled, objectives, duration, number of visits and general procedures). Also together we reviewed the participant informed consent to be used for the trial . we have discussed recruitment plans/strategies.  We are still waiting for ethical clearance from the IRBs, once we receive approval we are planing to conduct a meeting or community forum with community leaders and other stakeholders like street leaders,area government leaders, health officers, religious leader, previous vaccine trial participants and other influential people in the target area, there after we plan to hold a press conference with local media personnel and from there we will continue with information seminars, community meeting and radio talk shows

[Erica]

In my area  gender violence is common especially in women and children, however nowadays things are getting better because there are special spot/bench in the police stations whereby victims have to report and immediate actions is taken, although in some cases there women who still hide these issues due to culture/customs also poverty, she worries if something happens to the husband (for instance being jailed). There will be no one to cater for the family costs. she will suffer with her children and the relatives from her husband’s side will blame her. therefore things are getting better but still more efforts or education is needed

[Erica]

The benefit I have experienced from stakeholder engagement in  my working  area is transparency and mutual understanding. There was a rumor/misconception about HIV vaccine trial in the community where we had recruited most of the participants who participated in this trial,it is not clear how the rumor started but they were told that all individuals who have been vaccinated will die with in five years to come.  It was quite hectic in such a way that some of the participants were reluctant coming for their subsequent scheduled visits.The research team organized a small meeting with Stakeholders including  community leaders , local government authorities, some influential people from the area, two CAB members, (one of them was a former trial participant). The team explained the trial in details, they had the protocol, ethical clearances from the IRBs and other necessary documents from the authorities allowing the trial to be conducted. The team give time for questions from the stakeholders and all question were answered to their satisfaction. There after the area leaders helped the research team to organize a large community meeting and all trial participants were invited the team was given an opportunity to explain and respond to all questions at the end there was common understanding and trust was regained between the research team and community,then everything went back to normal.

[Erica]

Hi i think it will be good to involve the community stakeholders id developing messages especially if they have been involved in the trial from the beginning or development and implementantion of the trial, However i think is important for the site community engagement team  and site staff to ensure that the messages are correct, clear and simple for community members to understand

 

[Erica]

Hi I believe my institution values stake holder engagement  to a reasonable level as  the give all the necessary support to the community engagement team and activities. When ever possible research team, CE team and CAB members participate  in other stake holder activities/events  sometime we organize these events colaboratively

 

 

 

[Erica]

Hi Anne, thanks

The problem is sorted out, i can now see that am enrolled in Track A,   but still having problems opening module o, the clip only goes for less than one minute and when i click next it does not continue and is not audible even after setting the maximum volume.

[Author]

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