Health research institutional mapping: an Eastern Mediterranean Regional perspective

ABSTRACT

Background: Research-conducive environments are mandatory for planning, implementing and translating research findings into evidence-informed health policies. Aim: This study aimed at comprehensive situation analysis of health research institutions in the Region. Methods: We collected data on institutional characteristics, research scope, capacity building, ethics, governance and resources. Results: We contacted 575 institutions, of which, 223 [38.8%] responded, indicating that they conducted population research [82%]. Reported studies were mostly in medicine, public health and epidemiology, while reported capacity building mainly focused on scientific writing [20.6%], research proposal writing [18%] and quantitative research methods [17%]. Most institutions reported having collaborating partners [82%] – predominantly national [77%]. Sixty-four percent of institutions received their own funding, with 48% reporting always having access to national databases. Conclusion: Governments in the Eastern Mediterranean Region and international funding agencies are called upon to support health research production through increasing allocated support and capacity building in health research