Documenting HIV research-utilization activities, outputs and outcomes: examples and lessons learned from Project SOAR.

The importance of using research findings to inform policy and program decisions is well recognized, but the literature on measuring research utilization activities is scarce. As funding to support some areas of research wanes or remains stagnant, the need to document the value of investing in research by its' effect on improved programs and policies becomes increasingly necessary. We present the experience of Project SOAR, a six-year USAID-funded project focusing on HIV/AIDS-related implementation research, to demonstrate measurement of research utilization.

Engaging Stakeholders, from Inception and Throughout the Study, is Good Research Practice to Promote use of Findings.

The need for research-informed programming and policy making is well established. However, there is limited evidence that, when researchers actively promote utilization of research findings, stakeholders use such findings for decision making in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC). A common barrier for research uptake in LMIC is that researchers focus on passive dissemination of final findings as the primary vehicle to affect research uptake.

Prospective observational cohort study of 'treatment as usual' over four years for patients with schizophrenia in a national forensic hospital.

Background: We evaluated change in response to multi-modal psychosocial 'treatment as usual' programs offered within a forensic hospital.

Methods: Sixty nine patients with a diagnosis of schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder were followed for up to four years. Patient progress was evaluated using the DUNDRUM-3, a measure of patient ability to participate and benefit from multi-modal psychosocial programs and the HCR-20 dynamic items, a measure of violence proneness.

Research gaps in routine health information system design barriers to data quality and use in low- and middle-income countries: A literature review.

Despite the potential impact of health information system (HIS) design barriers on health data quality and use and, ultimately, health outcomes in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), no comprehensive literature review has been conducted to study them in this context. We therefore conducted a formal literature review to understand system design barriers to data quality and use in LMICs and to identify any major research gaps related understanding how system design affects data use. We conducted an electronic search across 4 scientific databases-PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Global Health-and consulted a data use expert.

Moving data off the shelf and into action: an intervention to improve data-informed decision making in Côte d'Ivoire.

Background: Improving a health system requires data, but too often they are unused or under-used by decision makers. Without interventions to improve the use of data in decision making, health systems cannot meet the needs of the populations they serve. In 2008, in Côte d'Ivoire, data were largely unused in health decision-making processes.

Impact of a decision-support tool on decision making at the district level in Kenya.

Background: In many countries, the responsibility for planning and delivery of health services is devolved to the subnational level. Health programs, however, often fall short of efficient use of data to inform decisions. As a result, programs are not as effective as they can be at meeting the health needs of the populations they serve.

Improving the use of health data for health system strengthening.

Background: Good quality and timely data from health information systems are the foundation of all health systems. However, too often data sit in reports, on shelves or in databases and are not sufficiently utilised in policy and program development, improvement, strategic planning and advocacy. Without specific interventions aimed at improving the use of data produced by information systems, health systems will never fully be able to meet the needs of the populations they serve.

Comparative acceptability of combined and progestin-only injectable contraceptives in Kenya.

Objective: We compared 12-month continuation rates, menstrual bleeding patterns and other aspects of acceptability between users of Cyclofem and users of Depo-Provera.

Methods: The life-table method was used to calculate quarterly continuation rates. In all, 360 Kenyan women were randomly assigned to one of the two contraceptives.

Evidence of diffusion from a targeted HIV/AIDS intervention in the Dominican Republic.

The diffusion potential of a targeted HIV/AIDS intervention that enlisted peer educators to disseminate 'safer sex' messages and condoms among female commercial sex workers and their clients was evaluated in the Dominican Republic. Levels of interurban interaction potential were ascertained that linked the targeted city of La Romana with the proximate cities of San Pedro de Macoris and Guaymate. Weekly service statistics generated over an 8-month period were analysed to establish activity areas for the peer educators.

Checklist for ruling out pregnancy among family-planning clients in primary care.

Where pregnancy tests are unavailable, health providers, fearing possible harm to fetuses, often deny contraception to nonmenstruating clients. In Kenya, a trial of a simple checklist to exclude pregnancy showed a good negative predictive value, which could improve access to service and reduce unwanted pregnancies and their sequelae.

Menstruation requirements as a barrier to contraceptive access in Kenya.

Background: In many countries, non-menstruating women are routinely denied contraceptive services even when pregnancy can easily be ruled out.

Objective: To determine whether menstruation requirements in Kenya constitute a barrier to access for potential family planning clients.

Design: Prospective and retrospective observational study.

Treatment of bleeding problems associated with progestin-only contraceptives: survey results.

Simple, well-documented, effective and inexpensive management approaches are needed for the short-term control of bleeding in progestin-only contraceptive (POC) users. Long-term continuation may improve if acceptable approaches are found to ameliorate these short-term bleeding problems. Family planning providers and researchers were surveyed on the treatment regimens they used for POC-associated bleeding disturbances.