Experiences of using a participatory action research approach to strengthen district local capacity in Eastern Uganda
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Date
2017
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Global Health Action
Abstract
To achieve a sustained improvement in health outcomes, the way health
interventions are designed and implemented is critical. A participatory action research
approach is applauded for building local capacity such as health management. Thereby
increasing the chances of sustaining health interventions.
Objective: This study explored stakeholder experiences of using PAR to implement an
intervention meant to strengthen the local district capacity.
Methods: This was a qualitative study featuring 18 informant interviews and a focus group
discussion. Respondents included politicians, administrators, health managers and external
researchers in three rural districts of eastern Uganda where PAR was used. Qualitative content
analysis was used to explore stakeholders’ experiences.
Results: ‘Being awakened’ emerged as an overarching category capturing stakeholder experiences
of using PAR. This was described in four interrelated and sequential categories, which
included: stakeholder involvement, being invigorated, the risk of wide stakeholder engagement
and balancing the risk of wide stakeholder engagement. In terms of involvement, the
stakeholders felt engaged, a sense of ownership, felt valued and responsible during the
implementation of the project. Being invigorated meant being awakened, inspired and
supported. On the other hand, risks such as conflict, stress and uncertainty were reported,
and finally these risks were balanced through tolerance, risk-awareness and collaboration.
Conclusions: The PAR approach was desirable because it created opportunities for building local
capacity and enhancing continuity of interventions. Stakeholders were awakened by the
approach, as it made them more responsive to systems challenges and possible local solutions.
Nonetheless, the use of PAR should be considered in full knowledge of the undesirable and
complex experiences, such as uncertainty, conflict and stress. This will enable adequate preparation
and management of stakeholder expectations to maximize the benefits of the approach.
Description
Keywords
Participatory action research, Stakeholders experiences, Local capacity, Districts, Implementation science
Citation
Moses Tetui, Anna-Britt Coe, Anna-Karin Hurtig, Elizabeth Ekirapa-Kiracho & Suzanne N. Kiwanuka (2017) Experiences of using a participatory action research approach to strengthen district local capacity in Eastern Uganda, Global Health Action, 10:sup4, 1346038, DOI: 10.1080/16549716.2017.1346038