Essential Element 1 Resources: Reminders

Reminders for Conducting Primary Research

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Investigate Institutional Review Board review. Some countries may require that an Institutional Review Board (IRB) approve your research before it starts. Usually, this is not required for information collected purely to design a program and which will not be disseminated further. Check with your local IRB/Ethics Committee.

Ensure confidentiality. Given the sensitive nature of SRH issues, especially among young people, it is important to inform anyone taking part in research that their information will be kept confidential and anonymous.

Collect informed consent. Include an informed consent procedure to your research process so that participants are clear about the purpose of the study and topics to be discussed, and know that they can opt out of the research at any point.

Gain parental consent. For youth younger than the age of majority, parental permission may be needed for them to participate in research. Contact your IRB/Ethics Committee to confirm the age of majority in the country in which your research is taking place.

Address location-specific challenges. It may be easier to conduct research from established settings, such as schools, but this may limit the type of youth involved. Consider specific challenges to carrying out research in other settings, such as informal settlements, bars or workplaces.

Involve your intended audience. Conducting research is a great opportunity to work with members of the intended audiences in designing the study, writing the questions, recruiting participants and conducting the research. Participatory Action Research is a methodology that could be used.

Train your data collectors. Your data collectors should be trained in your research methodology, confidentiality, providing informed consent and in working with young people if they will be conducting research with them. Where possible, have an experienced researcher take the lead.

Look for research partners. There may be partner organizations that have strong research expertise. Consider bringing them on as partners to build your capacity to conduct primary research.