title: Global teaching and training initiatives for emerging cohort studies.
abstract: A striking disparity exists across the globe, with essentially no large-scale longitudinal studies ongoing in regions that will be significantly affected by the oncoming non-communicable disease epidemic. The successful implementation of cohort studies in most low-resource research environments presents unique challenges that may be aided by coordinated training programs. Leaders of emerging cohort studies attending the First World Cohort Integration Workshop were surveyed about training priorities, unmet needs and potential cross-cohort solutions to these barriers through an electronic pre-workshop questionnaire and focus groups. Cohort studies representing India, Mexico, Nigeria, South Africa, Sweden, Tanzania and Uganda described similar training needs, including on-the-job training, data analysis software instruction, and database and bio-bank management. A lack of funding and protected time for training activities were commonly identified constraints. Proposed solutions include a collaborative cross-cohort teaching platform with web-based content and interactive teaching methods for a range of research personnel. An international network for research mentorship and idea exchange, and modifying the graduate thesis structure were also identified as key initiatives. Cross-cohort integrated educational initiatives will efficiently meet shared needs, catalyze the development of emerging cohorts, speed closure of the global disparity in cohort research, and may fortify scientific capacity development in low-resource settings.
authors.affiliation: Harvard School of Public Health, 677 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA 02115, USA. jpaulus@hsph.harvard.edu
authors.forename: Jessica K
authors.initials: JK
authors.lastname: Paulus
authors.forename: Rocío
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Santoyo-Vistrain
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Havelick
authors.forename: Amy
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Cohen
authors.forename: Robert
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Kalyesubula
authors.forename: Ikeoluwapo O
authors.initials: IO
authors.lastname: Ajayi
authors.forename: Jens G
authors.initials: JG
authors.lastname: Mattsson
authors.forename: Hans-Olov
authors.initials: HO
authors.lastname: Adami
authors.forename: Shona
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Dalal
mesh_terms: D015331:Cohort Studies; D003906:Developing Countries / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D004813:Epidemiology / Q000193:education*; D014943:Global Health / Q000193:education*; D006801:Humans; D020380:Needs Assessment; D016730:Program Development; D011634:Public Health / Q000193:education*
keywords: Cohort studies; Epidemiology; Medical education; Mentorship; Non-communicable diseases; Public health education; Teaching; Training