The State of Community Based Research in Jimma University
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Date
2008-06
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
This study was conducted to investigate the state of eBR in JU. More
specifically, the study sought to(1) explore the place of eBR in JU;(2)
examine the level of involvement of various groups in eBR; and(3)
examine barriers and facilitators to conduct eBR. A descriptive survey
method was employed using both qualitative and quantitative data.
Data were gathered using questionnaire, interview, and document
review.. The quantitative data generated were analyzed using
percentage, mean, rank, Pearson correlation and t-test. Qualitative
data substantiated the quantitative data. The results indicate that
most important barriers and facilitators relate to methodological and
funding and/or institutional issues. The key barriers include lack of
eBR researchers, few grants/ rewards/ incentives given for faculty,
scarcity of funding to support eBR, belief that results will not be
disseminated or acted upon, and lack of knowledge or training in
eBR. Facilitators include increasing funding opportunities, provision of
financial and other incentives conducting educational forums and
training opportunities, creating interdisciplinary research teams and
increasing institutional supports (including promotion practices).
Besides,the findings of the study revealed that FoE and PHF
significantly differed only in one of the twenty barriers and the twelve
facilitators. It was concluded that eBR was in a state of uncertainty,
as teachers were perceived to be the most active in all areas of
research and community members were then least involved. It is ,
therefore,recommended that the trend of research in Jimma University
had to change by taking into consideration the barriers that hindered
the practice and the facilitators that help to support eBR.
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Keywords
Community Based Research