Involving men to improve maternal and newborn health: A systematic review of the effectiveness of interventions

The objective of thsi review was to determine the effect of interventions to engage men during pregnancy, childbirth and infancy on mortality and morbidity, as well as effects on mechanisms by which male involvement is hypothesised to influence mortality and morbidity outcomes: home care practices, care-seeking, and couple relationships. Findings suggets that interventions to engage men in maternal and newborn health can increase care-seeking, improve home care practices, and support more equitable couple communication and decision-making for maternal and newborn health. These findings support engaging men as a health promotion strategy, although evidence gaps remain around effects on mortality and morbidity. Findings also indicate that interventions to increase male involvement should be carefully designed and implemented to mitigate potential harmful effects on couple relationship dynamics.

Grant writing in Ethics and Social Sciences: Lessons, Pitfalls and Advice

This helpful presentation is the result of a workshop held in Durban by The Global Health Bioethics Network (course facilitators: Maureen Kelley, Patricia Kingori, Dorcas Kamuya, Mike Parker).

Developing and Implementing a Triangulation Protocol for Qualitative Health Research

In this article, the authors present an empirical example of triangulation in qualitative health research. The authors collected qualitative data within a parallel–case study design using key informant interviews as well as document analysis, and develop, implement, and reflect on a triangulation protocol..

Global Health Research in an Unequal World: Ethics Case studies from Africa

Conducting good, ethical global health research is now more important than ever. Increased global mobility and connectivity mean that in today’s world there is no such thing as ‘local health’. As a collection, these stories offer a flexible resource for training across a variety of contexts, such as medical research organizations, universities, collaborative sites, and NGOs. 

An Introduction to Qualitative Research: a toolkit from NIHR

This helpful NIHR toolkit provides a comprehensive guide to the stages of designing and planning, carrying out, and reporting on a qualitative study, and includes useful exercises. We recommend it to anyone needing a useful, broad guide. 

In defence of governance: ethics review and social research

This Journal of Medical Ethics article discusses governance around social sciences and ethical review

Putting the "Quality" in "Qualitative": Reviewing and Assessing Quality in Qualitative Research

Assessing quality in qualitative research can be very different to other research types. Here we have compiled some resources which may help to assess the quality of research in different ways.

Quality assurance of qualitative research: a review of the discourse

Increasing demand for qualitative research within global health has emerged alongside increasing demand for demonstration of quality of research, in line with the evidence-based model of medicine......

Critical Realist Evaluation

This resource about critical realist evaluation resulted from a presentation given by Emma Richardson at the March 2017 Mesh Evaluation workshop. For more information and links to other resources that emerged from the workshop (which will be built upon over time) visit the workshop page.  

Guide: Participatory Action Research Toolkit

Qualitative Data Analysis Resources: Intermediate

There are many different approaches to analysing qualitative data. This article aims to bring together resources and articles around some of the more common types of analysis, so that you can easily find what you need.

Guide: Guide to the Ethics of Community Based Participatory Research

Practical resources for conducting focus groups

Useful videos about conducting focus groups for qualitative research 

Practical resources for conducting qualitative interviews

Useful YouTube videos about conducting qualitative research interviews

Participatory Visual Methods : Recommended Reading

This bibliography provides a list of recommended resources for those who are using participatory visual methods in their work.

Qualitative Study of Lymphatic Filariasis in Nepal

Lymphatic filariasis is endemic in Nepal. This study aimed to investigate health-seeking behaviors and self-care practices of people with filarial Lymphoedema in Nepal.

Four social theories for global health (link to Lancet article)

This useful article examines the field of 'global health' through four different social theories, providing useful insights into different ways to approach global health study. Certainly a must read for social scientists working in this area!  

Qualitative Data Analysis Resources: Basics

There are many different approaches to analysing qualitative data. This article aims to bring together resources and articles around some of the more common types of analysis, so that you can easily find what you need.

Women's groups practising participatory learning and action to improve maternal and newborn health in low-resource settings: a systematic review and meta-analysis

This review assessed the effects of women's groups practising participatory learning and action, compared with usual care, on birth outcomes in low-resource settings. With the participation of at least a third of pregnant women and adequate population coverage, women's groups practising participatory learning and action are a cost-effective strategy to improve maternal and neonatal survival in low-resource settings.

Project Report/Blog: Evaluating community engagement workshop: a beginner’s perspective

A participant of the Mesh evaluating engagement workshop (March 2017) gives there reflection on the workshop and the key learning that came from it.