Community perceptions and beliefs of blood draws for clinical trials conducted in Africa and their management: a systematic review of qualitative evidence protocol.

Abstract

REVIEW QUESTION / OBJECTIVE The objective of this review is to synthesize the best available evidence on perceptions, beliefs and management of blood draw for clinical trials conducted in Africa. The specific review questions are: 1. What are the perceptions and beliefs of community members about blood draw for clinical trials that are conducted in Africa? 2. How do researchers view perceptions and beliefs of community members concerning blood draw for clinical trials conducted in Africa? 3. What are the experiences of researchers in managing perceptions and beliefs of community members about blood draw for clinical trials that are conducted in Africa? INCLUSION CRITERIA Types of participants The review will consider studies that report on community members (any member in the community including study participants aged at least five years) and researchers ( any team member of the clinical trial team such as field staff, clinicians, epidemiologists, etc.) involved in blood draws for clinical trials in Africa. Phenomena of interest The review will focus on studies that investigate perceptions and beliefs of community members about blood draw for clinical trials in Africa. It will also consider studies that focus on researchers' views on community perceptions and beliefs about blood draw for clinical trials. The review will finally consider studies that focus on experiences of researchers in managing such community perceptions and beliefs during clinical trials in Africa. Context The review will consider qualitative studies carried out in African countries, specifically within communities where clinical trials involving blood draws have been conducted.