Challenges Encounter By Researchers In HIV Research At AMPATH – MTRH On Application Of The Principle Of Justice

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.