Challenges and opportunities in country-specific research synthesis: a case study from Cameroon

Abstract

BackgroundResearch synthesis is an important approach to summarizing a body of literature. Usually, the goal is to determine the effectiveness of an intervention, to determine the strength of association between two factors, to determine the prevalence of a condition, or to scope the literature. Research synthesis methods can also be used to appraise the quantity and quality of research output from institutions or countries. In the latter case, standard quantitative systematic review methodologies would not apply and investigators must borrow strategies from qualitative syntheses and bibliometric analyses to develop a complete and meaningful appraisal of the literature from a given country.MethodsIn this paper, we use the example of Cameroon to highlight some of the challenges and opportunities of appraising a body of country-specific literature. A comprehensive and exhaustive search of the literature was conducted to identify health-related literature from Cameroon published from 2005 to 2014. Titles were screened in duplicate.ResultsA total of 8624 studies were retrieved of which 721 were retained. The main challenges were making a choice of synthesis approach; selecting the right databases, data storage and management; and sustaining the team. Key opportunities include enhanced networking, a detailed appraisal of funding sources, international collaborations, language of publication, and issues with study design. The product is a comprehensive and informative body of evidence that can be used to inform policy with regards to international collaboration, location of research studies, language of publication, knowledge areas of focus, and gaps.ConclusionKnowledge synthesis approaches can be adapted for appraisal of country-specific research and offer opportunities for in-depth appraisal of research output.

The Cameroon Health Research and Evidence Database (CAMHRED): tools, methods and application of a local evidence mapping initiative

“…We also included research published in peer reviewed journals which are currently not indexed in common electronic databases. Our experience con rmed ndings from previous attempts at countryspeci c evidence synthesis for Cameroon which highlighted barriers to accessing local evidence housed in journals with non-searchable archives (25). We hand searched four such journals with relevant health research in Cameroon and included them into the database.…”

“…( 22) However, there are challenges to nding and synthesising such evidence, as demonstrated by pilot attempts at country-speci c research synthesis for Cameroon. (24,25) Research output from Cameroon is often published in journals which are not indexed on common databases like Web of Science, Scopus or MEDLINE. (25) Furthermore, the archives of such journals are not easily searchable or accessible in some cases.…”

Very-low-dose aspirin and surveillance colonoscopy is cost-effective in secondary prevention of colorectal cancer in individuals with advanced adenomas: network meta-analysis and cost-effectiveness analysis

“…Random effects NMA using consistency model was applied in comparison of all interventions using direct and indirect estimates [ 19 ] Inconsistency assumption was evaluated using a global inconsistency test by fitting design-by-treatment in the inconsistency model [ 20 ]. In order to rank intervention hierarchy, surface under the cumulative ranking (SUCRA) curves were derived [ 21 ] Publication bias was examined with comparison-adjusted funnel plot [ 22 ] To assess the robustness of primary outcome, multiple sensitivity analyses were performed (Additional file 1 : 1.5). For statistical analysis and graph generation, Stata version 15.1 (StataCorp, College Station, TX, USA) was utilised.…”

The Cameroon Health Research and Evidence Database (CAMHRED): tools and methods for local evidence mapping

“…A systematic approach to identifying and using local evidence is also important for contextualization [ 22 ]. However, there are challenges to finding and synthesising such evidence, as demonstrated by pilot attempts at country-specific research synthesis for Cameroon [ 24 , 25 ]. Research output from Cameroon is often published in journals which are not indexed on common databases like Web of Science, Scopus or MEDLINE [ 25 ].…”

“…However, there are challenges to finding and synthesising such evidence, as demonstrated by pilot attempts at country-specific research synthesis for Cameroon [ 24 , 25 ]. Research output from Cameroon is often published in journals which are not indexed on common databases like Web of Science, Scopus or MEDLINE [ 25 ]. Furthermore, the archives of such journals are not easily searchable or accessible in some cases.…”