[Research ethics in a perspective of developing countries].
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Biomedical Research↗
Biomedical subjects
Jens Aagaard-Hansen
Publications and source records attributed to Jens Aagaard-Hansen.
Research ethical challenges in cross-disciplinary and cross-cultural health research: the diversity of codes.
The scope of health research has increased considerably during the last three to four decades, both geographically and regarding the range of disciplines participating in biomedical research. In other words cross-cultural and cross-disciplinary projects are much more common in the World's biomedical research of today. For the large part that involves human research subjects, ethics based on fundamental human values is still an integrated part of project planning and management. However, in the light of the increasing complexity of research, the controlling codes (i.e. laws, declarations, conventions and guidelines) have undergone important changes and have increased considerably in numbers. Hence, groups from different disciplines and cultures need to adjust their projects' research ethical policies and implementations in accordance with the various codes' common denominators. Sometimes research ethical codes are even incompatible at certain points. The article describes key ethical aspects of cross-cultural and cross-disciplinary projects, with special emphasis on acquiring consent, avoiding harm, attending to needs, and describing the obligations when a project is over. On this background the authors conclude that researchers in the planning phase of a project should: 1) seek knowledge and professional advice related to the transgression of cultural and disciplinary borders, 2) introduce a long-term perspective for a project's activities and consequences, and 3) select the appropriate among the existing many ethical codes. These suggestions apply to several stakeholders: researchers, scientific societies, agencies for scientific support, information and ethical control, as well as research political agencies.
Biomedical Research↗
Changing patterns of orphan care due to the HIV epidemic in western Kenya.
The HIV/AIDS epidemic has given rise to major demographic changes including an alarming number of orphans in sub-Saharan Africa. The study describes a rural community in western Kenya in which one out of three children below 18 years of age had lost at least one biological parent-and one out of nine had lost both. The main problems these children faced were lack of school fees, food and access to medical care. The high number of orphans has overwhelmed the traditional mechanisms for orphan care, which were based on patrilineal kinship ties. Thus, 28% of the orphans were looked after by culturally "inappropriate" categories such as matrilineal kin or strangers. Furthermore, many of the caretakers were themselves not capable due to ill health or old age. Factors such as poverty, negative attitudes, and traditional funeral customs made the orphans' situation even worse. The authors conclude that though community-based interventions are urgently needed as the most appropriate way to address the issue, the complex, local reality in which cultural factors, kinship ties, and poverty are interwoven needs to be taken into consideration if sustainable solutions are to be found.
Adolescent↗
"Retirement lost"-the new role of the elderly as caretakers for orphans in Western Kenya.
A study on the new role of the elderly as caretakers of orphans was conducted in a rural part of Kenya applying a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods. One out of three children had lost at least one biological parent and one of nine had lost both. These figures are increasing exponentially. Most orphans were cared for by relatives, and about one out of five caretakers was 55 years of age or above. These elderly caretakers faced major difficulties in caring for the orphans in terms of schooling, food and medical care. There is a major difference between the present hardships of these caretakers and the traditional position of the elderly in the past. This dramatic deterioration in the situation of the elderly should be seen in the context of the rampant HIV/AIDS epidemic, population growth, changing socio-cultural values, and unfavourable macroeconomic trends.
Adolescent↗
Managing interdisciplinary health research--theoretical and practical aspects.
Interdisciplinary health research can offer valuable evidence for health care managers. However, there are specific challenges regarding the management of such projects. Based on 7 years of experience from a project in western Kenya, the authors point to the need for a sufficient time horizon, a high level of communication, equity between the disciplines and the identification of appropriate evaluation criteria as issues to be considered. The theoretical framework of Rosenfield was modified to comply with the complexities of field management.
Communication↗
Entomophagy among the Luo of Kenya: a potential mineral source?
Primary objective To determine the iron, zinc, and calcium content in different insects commonly eaten among the Luo of Kenya. Research design A cross-sectional design was chosen for the study in order to determine the insects eaten and their mineral content during a specific season.Methods and procedures Five different insect species were identified and collected with the help of local informants in the Nyang'oma sublocation of the Bondo district in western Kenya, and were analysed for iron, zinc and calcium contents. Main outcomes and results The iron content ranged from 18 to 1562 mg/100 g dry matter, the zinc content from 8 to 25 mg/100 g, and the calcium content from 33 to 341 mg/100 g in five different insects, onyoso mammon (ant), oyala (termite), ogawo (termite), agaor (termite), onjiri mammon (cricket). Conclusions Insect eating could prove to be a valuable measure to combat, especially, iron and zinc deficiency in developing countries.
Aged↗