A recent study published in PLoS ONE has shed light on the challenges faced by public health graduate students in Liberia when it comes to conducting quantitative research. Led by Hajah Kenneh, this research highlights significant barriers that could hinder the development of public health initiatives in low-income countries.
The study surveyed 120 Master’s in Public Health (MPH) students in Liberia and revealed that while a majority owned personal computers, many faced critical issues such as malfunctioning hardware and limited battery life. Specifically, 18.4% of students reported having computers with hardware issues, and 39.4% noted that their devices had battery life lasting two hours or less. This technological limitation is compounded by poor internet connectivity, with students averaging 3.4 days per week of unreliable access.
In terms of research skills, the findings were concerning. Nearly half of the students (47%) reported never using any computer software for data analysis, and 46% lacked specific knowledge of statistical analysis. This lack of familiarity with research tools is a significant barrier to conducting effective quantitative research, which is essential for understanding and addressing public health challenges.
Despite these obstacles, the study found that 59% of students were very likely to engage in quantitative research within the next six months, indicating a strong desire to overcome these challenges. As Hajah Kenneh pointed out, “The high likelihood of conducting quantitative research among MPH students contrasts with limitations around computing capacity, awareness of research tools/methods, and access to mentorship.” This suggests a potential for growth and innovation in the public health sector if these barriers can be addressed.
The implications for commercial sectors are notable. Companies that provide technology solutions, internet services, and educational resources have a significant opportunity to support these students and, by extension, the public health landscape in Liberia. By investing in reliable hardware, software training, and mentorship programs, businesses can play a pivotal role in enhancing research capabilities in low-income countries.
Furthermore, as the demand for quantitative research increases, there is an opportunity for partnerships between educational institutions and private sector organizations. By collaborating to develop tailored training programs and resources, these sectors can help foster a new generation of public health professionals equipped to tackle pressing health issues.
The findings of this study underscore the need for systematic measures to enhance research capacity in Liberia. By addressing the barriers identified, stakeholders can help ensure that public health initiatives are informed by robust quantitative research, ultimately leading to better health outcomes for communities in low-income countries.