Using research to influence sexual and reproductive health practice and implementation in Sub-Saharan Africa: a case-study analysis

Tulloch, Olivia, Mayaud, Philippe, Adu-Sarkodie, Yaw, Kofi Opoku, Baafuor, Oye Lithur, Nana, Sickle, Eugene, Delany-Moretlwe, Sinead, Wambura, Mwita, Changalucha, John and Theobald, Sally ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9053-211X (2011) 'Using research to influence sexual and reproductive health practice and implementation in Sub-Saharan Africa: a case-study analysis'. Health Research Policy and Systems, Vol 9, Issue Supp 1, S10.

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Abstract

Background
Research institutions and donor organizations are giving growing attention to how research evidence is communicated to influence policy. In the area of sexual and reproductive health (SRH) and HIV there is less weight given to understanding how evidence is successfully translated into practice. Policy issues in SRH can be controversial, influenced by political factors and shaped by context such as religion, ethnicity, gender and sexuality.

Methods
The case-studies presented in this paper analyse findings from SRH/HIV research programmes in sub-Saharan Africa: 1) Maternal syphilis screening in Ghana, 2) Legislative change for sexual violence survivors In Ghana, 3) Male circumcision policy in South Africa, and 4) Male circumcision policy in Tanzania. Our analysis draws on two frameworks, Sumner et al’s synthesis approach and Nutley’s research use continuum.

Results
The analysis emphasises the relationships and communications involved in using research to influence policy and practice and recognises a distinction whereby practice is not necessarily influenced as a result of policy change – especially in SRH – where there are complex interactions between policy actors.

Conclusion
Both frameworks demonstrate how policy networks, partnership and advocacy are critical in shaping the extent to which research is used and the importance of on-going and continuous links between a range of actors to maximize research impact on policy uptake and implementation. The case-studies illustrate the importance of long-term engagement between researchers and policy makers and how to use evidence to develop policies which are sensitive to context: political, cultural and practical.

Item Type:	Article
Additional Information:	This article is part of the supplement: Strengthening the research to policy and practice interface: exploring strategies used by research organisations working on sexual and reproductive health and HIV/AIDS. Liverpool, UK, 18-19 May, 2009. The electronic version of this article is the complete one and can be found online at: http://www.biomedcentral.com/1478-4505/9/S1/S10
Uncontrolled Keywords:	sexual and reproductive health; Sub-Saharan Africa
Subjects:	WA Public Health > WA 20.5 Research (General) WA Public Health > Health Administration and Organization > WA 525 General works
Digital Object Identifer (DOI):	https://doi.org/10.1186/1478-4505-9-S1-S10
Depositing User:	Faye Moody
Date Deposited:	30 Jun 2011 13:19
Last Modified:	03 Dec 2024 12:16
URI:	https://archive.lstmed.ac.uk/id/eprint/2065

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