Collaborating for international research development in Malawi, Africa.
OBJECTIVE
To describe a collaborative research effort by a U.S. school of nursing, an African school of nursing, and the Malawian Ministry of Health. Providing assistance to women leaders in Malawi to develop and conduct research to improve the health of women and infants in villages is necessary.


METHODS
This 5-year project, 1990-1995, included organizing a workshop on the research process, developing and testing pilot projects, developing and conducting two full-scale studies, and disseminating findings.


RESULTS
Two full-scale studies, one examining maternal mortality and one examining the effects of teen pregnancy, were completed with important health policy implications for Malawi.


CONCLUSIONS
Successful international collaborative research yields increased knowledge for all participants and important health information. International research requires continuous communication, people skilled in group work, sensitivity to cultural differences, patience, persistence, and commitment.
Brooten
D
D
Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA. dab9@po.cwru.edu
Thompson
J
J
Makoza
J
J
Kaponda
C
C
Mede
E
E
Kachapila
L
L
Phoya
A
A
D003299:Cooperative Behavior; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007393:International Educational Exchange; D008295:Malawi; D015399:Nursing Research / Q000193:education* / Q000458:organization & administration*; D010414:Pennsylvania; D011247:Pregnancy; D016730:Program Development; D011635:Public Health Administration; D012573:School Nursing / Q000458:organization & administration*; D016387:Women's Health