Implementation of meaningful stakeholder engagement in community-based research in rural India during Covid-19 pandemic

Abstract

<b>Background:</b> The Covid-19 pandemic has hit Western India hard, with Pune district reporting extremely high numbers of cases. During this time, the KEM Hospital Research Centre (KEMHRC), Pune undertook a study determining COVID-19 seropositivity within villages in the Pune district. <b>Aim:</b> To engage various stakeholders in establishing sentinel sero-surveillance to monitor the trend of SARS-CoV-2 infection transmission in the general population in rural Western India. <b>Methods:</b> An extensive stakeholder engagement drive was undertaken to drive successful recruitment and implementation of our study. Between February 2021 and May 2021, we conducted 150 meetings with a range of community stakeholders including: village heads; nurses; community health workers and local government representatives, in open-aired community spaces. We advised community members on the purpose and significance of the study, clarified any concerns, and gathered and incorporated their inputs regarding study implementation. <b>Results:</b> The team built trust with local communities through these meetings with continued engagement during field work and data collection helping build rapport and create ownership of the study. KEMHRC successfully enrolled 14,500 individuals residing in 150 villages in Pune district. <b>Conclusion:</b> The feedback sharing process is important in ensuring that engagement with the community is not limited to a one-time activity but continuous. Training &amp; supplying opportunities can also generate stakeholder engagement champions. Effective communication, active engagement are key elements for effective engagement in research.