ABSTRACT
In response to an international strategy to prioritise and focus research efforts in leprosy, this conceptual protocol outlines a research plan to address key translational research priorities. The protocol describes in broad terms a five-phase psychosocial and service-related research programme to facilitate: prevention of delay in diagnosis, improvement of adherence with multi-drug therapy, the roll out of chemoprophylaxis and increased participation in community based rehabilitation. The protocol proposes a model of research utilisation and the notion of complexity to form an integrating theoretical framework for exploring and enhancing research translation. The proposed sequential research programme is characterised by traditional and participatory strategies, culminating in participatory implementation of findings. Publication of the conceptual protocol prior to operationalisation and commencement of the research aims to encourage debate, refinement of strategies, collaboration and the optimisation of resources.
Subject(s)
Leprosy/diagnosis , Leprosy/drug therapy , Translational Research, Biomedical , Disease Management , Humans , Leprostatic Agents/therapeutic use , Practice Guidelines as Topic , Research DesignABSTRACT
The author of this study aims to explore people's perceptions of the cause of illnesses in the Democratic Republic of Congo using qualitative methods, namely case studies and focus group discussions, to gather data from participants. He identifies seven main categories of causes of illnesses and describes the relations between them. The local concept of the causes of illnesses does not absolutely respect the biomedical framework. As the popular saying puts it, Congolais hakufi na microbe, meaning "Congolese people do not die by microbes." The perception of witchcraft is strong as a cause of illness among the Bira of Mobala and the Nande of Mukulia. The author argues that health professionals should take this view into account instead of rejecting it.
