Mixed-Methods Evaluation of a Global South-North Research Fellowship in Uganda: Global Health Experiential Fellowship (GHEF)

Abstract

Background: Strengthening research capacity in low-resource settings is critical for addressing healthcare challenges. Collaborative Global South-North partnership training models offer promise in strengthening local research capacity.

Objective: Evaluate the impact of Empower Through Health’s (ETH) Global Health Experiential Fellowship (GHEF) to increase research competency and cultural humility and competency in Ugandan and American predoctoral students.

Methods: A mixed-methods approach was used to evaluate the GHEF program. Qualitative data were collected through in-depth interviews with 10 fellows (5 Ugandans, 5 Americans). The Assessment of Key Interviewing Factors for Research Assistants (AKIRA) tool quantitatively assessed research skills pre- and post-fellowship among 14 fellows (7 Ugandans, 7 Americans).

Findings: Three major themes emerged: Career Development, Research Skills, and Cultural Exposure. Ugandan fellows reported acquiring new technical and interpersonal skills, while American fellows emphasized an expanded perspective on global health careers. Both groups described enhanced research capabilities, with Ugandan fellows often experiencing their first formal research training. Cultural exposure facilitated significant intercultural learning and challenged preconceptions. The AKIRA assessments showed significant improvement in research skills among Ugandan fellows (pre-fellowship mean = 1.125, post-fellowship mean = 1.536; p-value = 0.0117). American fellows also showed improvement, though not statistically significant (pre-fellowship mean = 1.500, post-fellowship mean = 1.536; p-value = 0.6891).

Conclusion: Programs such as GHEF offer important opportunities for building local research capacity in LMICs. These findings expand upon the existing literature by showing that GHEF positively impacts skill development, career aspirations, and cultural understanding in both Ugandan and American participants. Areas for improvement include increasing Ugandan participation and addressing potential power imbalances in Global South-North collaborations.

 

Keywords: research capacity building, Global South-North collaboration, Uganda, mixedmethods evaluation, global mental health