Research capacity-building program for clinicians and staff at a community-based HIV clinic in Uganda: A pre/post evaluation

Developing capacity for HIV research and clinical practice is critically needed in resource-limited countries. The purpose of this study was to evaluate a research capacity-building program for community-based participants in the preparation and conduct of mobile phone-based technology interventions. A descriptive, cross-sectional design was used. Participants completed self-report surveys at three time points. Thirty-three participated in the situational analysis, and all (100%) felt that the research training was needed. For the interim evaluation, more than 96.8% (n = 30) reported increased knowledge and confidence and attributed this to the training. Fourteen participants completed the final evaluation. Dedicated time away from work was an important factor to facilitate recruitment and data collection, followed by financial incentives to commute to data collection sites. Expertise through supervision and mentorship for participants and sustained funding for research projects are critical to the innovation needed to improve HIV prevention and care outcomes.