Article type
Abstract
Introduction
Systematic reviews and meta-analyses (SRMs) can be very useful in the development of evidence-based practices and the formulation of policies. This study aimed to assess the SRM needs of researchers from low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).
Methods
We conducted a web-based cross-sectional survey from November to December 2022 using an open, self-administered online questionnaire. A combined simple random and snowballing sampling method was used for recruiting survey respondents. The study was conducted among researchers whose countries belong to regions in the World Bank classification of LMICs. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software version 25. Descriptive statistical analysis was used for demographic data analysis. Chi-square test and bivariate analysis of factors associated with conducting systematic reviews was conducted.
Results
A total of 520 respondents electronically completed and returned the consent form along with the questionnaire. The greater majority of respondents were male (57%) and masters students (27.8%). The majority of respondents had never had any form of SRM training (72%) and had never conducted a systematic review (80%). The most prominent reasons for not conducting a systematic review were lack of training opportunities to improve SRM skills (71%) and lack of access to experienced collaborators (35.6%). Female respondents (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 0.30; 95% CI = 0.174-0.528) and those who have not had any form of SRM training (aOR = 0.16; 0.098-0.256) were less likely to conduct SRMs. Ninety-seven percent of respondents welcomed the idea of having the African Community for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (ACSRM). Training opportunities to strengthen research capacity (85%), collaboration for systematic review writing and publications (75%), and networking (52%) were participants' main motivation to join the ACSRM.
Conclusion
The study findings indicate that the majority of our study participants have never conducted a systematic review. The main reasons for this were related to a lack of affordable training opportunities for LMIC researchers and a lack of access to experienced collaborators. The ACSRM is a community of practice established to support the production and use of SRMs in LMICs. Our findings emphasize the need to strengthen systematic review production and use in LMICs, particularly through the ACSRM.
Systematic reviews and meta-analyses (SRMs) can be very useful in the development of evidence-based practices and the formulation of policies. This study aimed to assess the SRM needs of researchers from low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).
Methods
We conducted a web-based cross-sectional survey from November to December 2022 using an open, self-administered online questionnaire. A combined simple random and snowballing sampling method was used for recruiting survey respondents. The study was conducted among researchers whose countries belong to regions in the World Bank classification of LMICs. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software version 25. Descriptive statistical analysis was used for demographic data analysis. Chi-square test and bivariate analysis of factors associated with conducting systematic reviews was conducted.
Results
A total of 520 respondents electronically completed and returned the consent form along with the questionnaire. The greater majority of respondents were male (57%) and masters students (27.8%). The majority of respondents had never had any form of SRM training (72%) and had never conducted a systematic review (80%). The most prominent reasons for not conducting a systematic review were lack of training opportunities to improve SRM skills (71%) and lack of access to experienced collaborators (35.6%). Female respondents (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 0.30; 95% CI = 0.174-0.528) and those who have not had any form of SRM training (aOR = 0.16; 0.098-0.256) were less likely to conduct SRMs. Ninety-seven percent of respondents welcomed the idea of having the African Community for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (ACSRM). Training opportunities to strengthen research capacity (85%), collaboration for systematic review writing and publications (75%), and networking (52%) were participants' main motivation to join the ACSRM.
Conclusion
The study findings indicate that the majority of our study participants have never conducted a systematic review. The main reasons for this were related to a lack of affordable training opportunities for LMIC researchers and a lack of access to experienced collaborators. The ACSRM is a community of practice established to support the production and use of SRMs in LMICs. Our findings emphasize the need to strengthen systematic review production and use in LMICs, particularly through the ACSRM.