Addressing the Challenges of Conducting Research in Developing Countries

Abstract

To explore the unique challenges that occur when conducting research in developing countries so the reader can consider approaches for providing ethically and culturally appropriate research strategies applicable for the context of the host country. This article presents an overview of the challenges, which are organized based on the phases of the research period: pre-enrollment, enrollment, and post-enrollment. At each stage, examples of adaptation to meet the challenges are presented and recommendations are posited. Strategies for research should protect the rights of the most vulnerable and disadvantaged populations while balancing the needs of society at large, provide culturally relevant ethical informed consent while balancing institutional review board requirements, and conduct research in a culturally appropriate manner for the host country while balancing the principles of ethical research established by developed countries. Researchers are implored to focus on the ethical and cultural appropriateness of each aspect of the study process to afford the highest level of research credibility and validity.