Issues in Collaborative Research between Health Educators and Medical Scientists: A Case Study

Abstract

The inclusion of health education in medical research schemes, if it happens at all, is usually after major social, behavioral, and educational problems have surfaced that threaten the success or survival of the project. Lack of collaboration arises not only from a narrowly and inappropriately conceived role for health education but also from communications barriers inherent in differing professional orientations and methodologies. A case study on malaria research in a rural Nigerian community demonstrates that health educators need to take initiative in defining a role for themselves in biomedical research, even if the opportunity may seem to come too late. Any chance for interaction provides potential for learning and understanding that will pave the way for collaboration in the future.

How local community knowledge about malaria affects insecticide‐treated net use in northern Ghana

“…Although several studies in Sub‐Saharan Africa have shown that there are similarities between folk and biomedical interpretations of malaria symptoms, there is a dichotomy in knowledge between the two in terms of causal processes (Brieger et al. 1984; Helitzer‐Allen 1989; Agyepong 1992; Winch et al.…”

“…Although several studies in Sub-Saharan Africa have shown that there are similarities between folk and biomedical interpretations of malaria symptoms, there is a dichotomy in knowledge between the two in terms of causal processes (Brieger et al 1984;Helitzer-Allen 1989;Agyepong 1992;Winch et al 1996;Hausman Muela 2000;Minja 2001). When the understanding of the symptoms of folk illness seems to correspond to biomedical malaria while local epidemiological knowledge departs considerably from the biomedical model, enormous problems confront malaria control efforts.…”

“…Studies in Ghana and other African countries found that people do not recognize the connection between fever, convulsions and malaria (Brieger et al. 1984; Fivawo 1986; MacCormack & Snow 1986; Ramakrishna et al.…”

“…Studies in Ghana and other African countries found that people do not recognize the connection between fever, convulsions and malaria (Brieger et al 1984;Fivawo 1986;MacCormack & Snow 1986;Ramakrishna et al 1988;Helitzer-Allen 1989;Adongo & Hudelson 1995;Mwenesi et al 1995;Winch et al 1996;Hill et al 2003). Attributing the cause of malaria to several diverse factors beside the mosquito has implications for the adoption and use of malaria control strategies, and might make it difficult to convince mothers to accept ITNs as a control measure for malaria and/or convulsions.…”