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Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://eresearch.qmu.ac.uk/handle/20.500.12289/9

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Author: search.filters.author.Pearson, GeorginaSubject: search.filters.subject.Schistosomiasis

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    Opportunities and disconnects in the use of primary research on schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminths for policy and practice: Results from a survey of researchers
    (Palgrave Macmillan, 2021-07-07) Fergus, Cristin A.; Pearson, Georgina
    Even with efforts to facilitate use of evidence in health policy and practice, limited attention has been paid to researchers’ perspectives on use of their research in informing public health policy and practice at local, national, and global levels. We conducted a systematic literature search to identify published primary research related to schistosomiasis or soil-transmitted helminths, or both. We then surveyed corresponding authors. Results indicate differences by locations of authors and in conduct of research, especially for research conducted in low- and middle-income countries. Our findings exemplify disparities in research leadership discussed elsewhere. Researchers’ perspectives on the use of their work suggest limited opportunities and ‘disconnects’ that hinder their engagement with policy and other decision-making processes. These findings highlight a need for additional efforts to address structural barriers and enable engagement between researchers and decision-makers.
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    Border parasites: Schistosomiasis control among Uganda’s fisherfolk
    (Taylor & Francis, 2012-04-13) Parker, Melissa; Allen, Tim; Pearson, Georgina; Peach, Nichola; Flynn, Rachel; Rees, Nicholas
    It is recognized that the control of schistosomisais in Uganda requires a focus on fisherfolk. Large numbers suffer from this water-borne parasitic disease; notably along the shores of lakes Albert and Victoria and along the River Nile. Since 2004, a policy has been adopted of providing drugs, free of charge, to all those at risk. The strategy has been reported to be successful, but closer investigation reveals serious problems. This paper draws upon long-term research undertaken at three locations in northwestern and southeastern Uganda. It highlights consequences of not engaging with the day to day realities of fisherfolk livelihoods; attributable, in part, to the fact that so many fisherfolk live and work in places located at the country’s international borders, and to a related tendency to treat them as ‘‘feckless’’ and ‘‘ungovernable’’. Endeavours to roll out treatment end up being haphazard, erratic and location-specific. In some places, concerted efforts have been made to treat fisherfolk; but there is no effective monitoring, and it is difficult to gauge what proportion have actually swallowed the tablets. In other places, fisherfolk are, in practice, largely ignored, or are actively harassed in ways that make treatment almost impossible. At all sites, the current reliance upon resident ‘‘community’’ drug distributors or staff based at static clinics and schools was found to be flawed.