The experiences of researchers on application of the principle of justice In HIV research At MTRH AMPATH - ELDORET

Abstract

Background: There is need to apply ethical principle of justice during research. Justice is doing what is morally right and proper treatment of persons. It is not easy to maintain justice in research in limited resource setting. The objectives of this study were to assess the IREC guidelines, examine the factors that AMPATH researchers consider and explore the challenges encountered by IREC members in facilitation of application of the principle of 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 and 5 members of IREC who were purposively selected to participate in a cross sectional exploratory qualitative study. Interviews were audio- recorded transcribed and content manually analyzed. Results: IREC guidelines were clearly documented and available. The researchers considered IREC requirements for proposal, how to engage participants in research and the knowledge of community members about research. IREC encountered challenges of lack of expertise in approving some research protocols, meeting timelines for feedback to researchers, in ability to monitor approved studies and researchers’ attitude issues. Conclusion: IREC members and researchers are knowledgeable about justice in research. IREC’s work could be compromised by financial limitations. Researchers are struggling with challenges associated with low income in the communities, their attitudes and lack of practical skills. Researchers need training on the skills of carrying out research in specific contexts and sensitize them on the role of IREC as a facilitator of ethical research.