Abstract:
During research activities there is need to apply ethical principle of justice where justice is about
doing what is morally right and proper treatment of persons. It is not easy to maintain justice in research in poor
resource setting. The objective of this study was to explore the challenges encountered by MTRH health
researchers at AMPATH on application of the principle justice in HIV research. Method: Between June and
August 2016 in-depth interviews were conducted using unstructured interview guide with 16 researchers from
MTRH who worked at AMPATH purposively selected to participate in a cross sectional exploratory qualitative
study. Interviews were audio- recorded transcribed and content manually analyzed. Results: The researchers
considered IREC requirements for approving research proposal, how to engage participants in ethical research
process and the knowledge of community members about ethical research process. One of the challenges
researchers encountered was their perception that IREC hindered their progress in ethical research process. The
researchers had a challenge with poverty levels within the community which is closely associated with illiteracy
and culture of handouts. Conclusion: Though researchers are knowledgeable about the principle of justice in
ethical research process there challenges are centered on challenges associated with low income in the
communities, there’ attitudes and lack of practical skills. There is need to train researchers on the skills of
carrying out ethical research in specific contexts and sensitizes them on the role of IREC as a facilitator of
ethical research.
