{Reference Type}: Journal Article
{Title}: Health research evidence: its current usage in health planning, determinants and readiness to use knowledge translation tools among health planning teams in Tanzania-an exploratory mixed-methods study protocol.
{Author}: Kagoma P;Mongi R;Kapologwe NA;Kengia J;Kalolo A;
{Journal}: BMJ Open
{Volume}: 14
{Issue}: 6
{Year}: 2024 Jun 25
{Factor}: 3.006
{DOI}: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-081517
{Abstract}: <B>BACKGROUND: </B>Achieving universal health coverage requires using research evidence to inform decision-making. However, little information is available on the use of research evidence in planning in lower middle-income countries, including Tanzania. This paper presents a protocol that aims to investigate the usage of research evidence in health planning, determinants and readiness of the planning team members to use knowledge translation tools in Tanzania.<BR><B>METHODS: </B>This study will employ a sequential exploratory mixed-methods design, with participants selected from national, regional and council levels. Qualitative data will be collected through a maximum of 52 in-depth interviews and 12 focused group discussions until saturation. To collect quantitative data, a structured questionnaire will be used to survey 422 participants, and a document review will be conducted from health facilities. Qualitative data will be analysed using thematic analysis, while descriptive and inferential analyses will be employed for quantitative data.<BR><B>BACKGROUND: </B>The study participants will provide written informed consent, and all recorded data will be stored on a secured research server accessible only to the investigators. Ethical approval has been obtained from the University of Dodoma Research Ethics Committee (ref. MA.84/261/02/'A'/64/91). The findings of this study will inform policymakers, researchers and implementers in the country on the use of research evidence in decision-making. We will disseminate our findings through publications, conferences, workshops and interactive communication with national, regional, council and health facility planning teams.