Insights from Conducting Community- and Health Facility-Based Cancer Research in Sub-Saharan Africa

Sarah Day; Jennifer Nyawira Githaiga; Amos Mwaka; Bothwell Guzha; Tasleem Ras; John Ele-Ojo Ataguba; Simbarashe Chinyowa; Grant Murewanhema; Rosemary Jacobs; Jane Harries; Suzanne E. Scott; Zvavahera Mike Chirenje; Fiona M. Walter; Jennifer Moodley

doi:10.25159/2957-3645/16931

Authors

Sarah Day University of Cape Town
Jennifer Nyawira Githaiga University of Cape Town
Amos Mwaka Makerere University
Bothwell Guzha University of Zimbabwe
Tasleem Ras University of Cape Town
John Ele-Ojo Ataguba Health Economics Laboratory, University of Manitoba Faculty of Health Sciences and African Health Economics and Policy Association, Accra, Ghana
Simbarashe Chinyowa University of Zimbabwe
Grant Murewanhema University of Zimbabwe
Rosemary Jacobs Umtha Strategy Planning and Development Consultancy
Jane Harries University of Cape Town
Suzanne E. Scott Wolfson Institute of Population Health
Zvavahera Mike Chirenje University of Zimbabwe
Fiona M. Walter Wolfson Institute of Population Health
Jennifer Moodley University of Cape Town

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.25159/2957-3645/16931

Keywords:

community-based research, health facility-based research, cancer, sub-Saharan Africa

Abstract

This article reflects on the process of conducting community- and health facility-based research on cancer awareness and early diagnosis in selected countries in sub-Saharan Africa, namely, South Africa, Uganda and Zimbabwe. We draw from two research projects: the African Women Awareness of CANcer project and the African aWAreness of CANcer and Early Diagnosis programme. Drawing on reflections from the project management team, field notes and minutes from team meetings, we describe key challenges and lessons learnt. Our results constellate around six core features of community-based and health facility-based research, namely, entry and access, sampling, geographical and infrastructural challenges, safety and security, overburdened and under-resourced health facilities, and contextual nuances. Conducting community- and facility-based health research in sub-Saharan Africa has context-specific challenges and opportunities which have an impact on the planning and conducting of such research. Doing rigorous research in sub-Saharan Africa requires locally relevant, collaborative, timely and creative solutions, and mutually beneficial community partnerships.

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