Research Capacity for Prevention and Control of Non-communicable Diseases and their Risk Factors in Nepal: Findings of a Needs Assessment Study.

Autor: Oli N; Department of Community Medicine, Kathmandu Medical College Public Limited, Sinamangal, Kathmandu, Nepal., Pradhan PM; Department of Community Medicine, Institute of Medicine, Maharajganj, Kathmandu, Nepal., Sagtani RA; Department of Community Health, Patan Academy of Health Sciences, Lalitpur, Nepal., Shrestha A; Department of Public Health, Kathmandu University School of Medical Sciences, Dhulikhel, Kavre, Nepal., Jaacks LM; Global Academy of Agriculture and Food Security, The University of Edinburgh, Midlothian, UK., Karmacharya BM; Department of Community Medicine, Dhulikhel Hospital-Kathmandu University Hospital, Dhulikhel, Kavre, Nepal., Danaei G; Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA., Vaidya A; Department of Community Medicine, Kathmandu Medical College Public Limited, Sinamangal, Kathmandu, Nepal.
Jazyk: angličtina
Zdroj: Kathmandu University medical journal (KUMJ) [Kathmandu Univ Med J (KUMJ)] 2022 Apr-Jun; Vol. 20 (78), pp. 147-154.
Abstrakt: Background Despite a high burden, there are limited trainings in non-communicable disease research in Nepal. Objective We conducted a needs assessment to assess existing research training capacity in academic health institutions of Nepal for the prevention and control of noncommunicable diseases, identify gaps in research, and explore the feasibility of developing research training program in Nepal targeting non-communicable diseases. Method We did mixed-method research and reviewed academic institution curricula and scientific articles authored by Nepali researchers. We conducted 14 Focus Group Discussions with bachelor and masters level students of public health and community medicine; 25 In-depth Interviews with department heads and faculties, and government stakeholders. We surveyed medical and public health students on their research knowledge and skills development. Result Research methodology component was addressed differently across academic programs. One-third (33.7%) of students expressed lack of skills for analysis and interpretation of data. They felt that there is a wide scope and career-interest in non-communicable diseases research in Nepal. However, specific objectives in the curriculum and practical aspects regarding non-communicable diseases were lacking. Most of the non-communicable diseases research in Nepal are prevalence studies. Lack of funding, conflicting priorities with curative services, and inadequate training for advanced research tools were reported as major barriers. Conclusion Nepal must strengthen the whole spectrum of research capacity: epidemiological skills, research management, and fund development. Generation of a critical mass of non-communicable disease researchers must go together with improved funding from the government, non-governmental, and external funding organizations.
Databáze: MEDLINE