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Collaborating for international research development in Malawi, Africa
D Brooten1, J Thompson, J Makoza
1Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA. dab9@po.cwru.edu
Purpose:
To describe a collaborative research effort by a U.S. school of nursing, an African school of nursing, and the Malawian Ministry of Health. Providing assistance to women leaders in Malawi to develop and conduct research to improve the health of women and infants in villages is necessary.
Scope:
This 5-year project, 1990-1995, included organizing a workshop on the research process, developing and testing pilot projects, developing and conducting two full-scale studies, and disseminating findings.
Results:
Two full-scale studies, one examining maternal mortality and one examining the effects of teen pregnancy, were completed with important health policy implications for Malawi.
Conclusions:
Successful international collaborative research yields increased knowledge for all participants and important health information. International research requires continuous communication, people skilled in group work, sensitivity to cultural differences, patience, persistence, and commitment.