Research productivity in the Caribbean

ABSTRACT

Research and the dissemination of health research findings are of importance to the Caribbean as a whole. Hence, it is necessary to monitor the productivity of scientists in the region and to examine the difficulties which affect their ability to disseminate their research findings. The aim of the present study is to examine these factors. The study group selected consisted of researchers who had produced two or more papers in refereed professional journals between 1987 and 1990. A questionnaire was administered in six Caribbean islands. Lack of resources, including funding, time, staff and equipment, were cited as major constraints to carrying out research. There were extremely few posts for research, particularly in the University of the West Indies. In spite of the constraints, researchers were active, conducting several projects at a time. Four hundred and twenty-seven first authored articles on biomedical science were published by the researchers interviewed in the four years. Researchers at the University of the West Indies published most of the articles in all three campus territories. Little research was being done in the non-campus territories. Of the priority areas, most researchers were interested in chronic diseases followed by maternal and child health. Only 54 percent of the researchers had applied for funding. In addition, they were generally involved with more research projects than would be expected from the number of their research publications. Many researchers expressed the need for experienced advice and assistance in writing protocols, reporting and analysing their data. It might be helpful to appoint a senior person or group in each department of the University of the West Indies with the specific responsibility to promote research programmes (AU)