Community engagement for paediatric MDR-TB clinical trials: principles to support ethical trial implementation

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Infectious Diseases
• Pediatric Research

Background:

• Paediatric tuberculosis (TB) research is advancing, offering new treatment and prevention strategies for children.
• Community engagement is vital for the success of paediatric clinical trials.
• Multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB) in children presents unique challenges due to its clinical profile, epidemiology, and social perceptions, complicating community engagement efforts.

Purpose of the Study:

• To reflect on experiences implementing community engagement in paediatric MDR-TB research.
• To propose recommendations for guiding community engagement in paediatric MDR-TB clinical trials.
• To highlight the importance of stakeholder collaboration in advancing paediatric TB research.

Main Methods:

• Review of diverse experiences in paediatric MDR-TB research and community engagement.
• Development of four key recommendations for effective community engagement strategies.
• Analysis of stakeholder willingness to collaborate in clinical trials.

Main Results:

• Four recommendations are proposed: 1) continuous community engagement platforms, 2) tiered TB and research literacy, 3) multiple platforms for shared interests, and 4) addressing social/structural implications of family participation.
• Community stakeholders, including health workers, parents, and children, are willing to participate in paediatric MDR-TB clinical trials.
• Effective community engagement is feasible and offers significant opportunities in paediatric MDR-TB research.

Conclusions:

• Implementing the four recommendations can enhance community engagement in paediatric MDR-TB clinical trials.
• Active collaboration with community stakeholders is essential for the advancement of paediatric TB research.
• The findings support the potential for successful community engagement in the evolving landscape of paediatric MDR-TB research.