From September 18th to 29th, 2023, the Central Africa International Epidemiology Databases to Evaluate AIDS (CA-IeDEA) organised an intensive, 10-day training program held at Lemigo Hotel, Kigali, Rwanda. The program saw attendance from 20 researchers, representing organizations including CRENC, RD Rwanda, Rwanda Military Hospital (RMH), and Rwanda Biomedical Center (RBC) teams. The training was led by a panel of international experts including Gad Murenzi, Jean Claude Dusingize, Mark H. Kuniholm, Marcel Yotebieng, and Adebola A. Adedimeji.
Training Highlights
A Well-Defined, Comprehensive Curriculum
The training program was distinguished by its comprehensive curriculum, carefully crafted to cover both foundational and advanced aspects of epidemiological research. With a particular focus on HIV/AIDS, the training spanned a wide array of topics including:
- Observational and experimental epidemiology study designs.
- Measures of disease occurrence and association.
- The impact of confounding and bias on research outcomes.
- Descriptive and bivariate statistical analysis.
- Multivariable linear, logistic, and survival analysis regression models.
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Hands-On Skill Enhancement
The program was not just about theoretical understanding; it involved significant hands-on work. On the second day, attendees worked with STATA software to understand dataset formats, sorting/merging functions, and variable creation, among other critical skills. This practical approach meant that by the program’s end, participants were not only knowledgeable but also capable of applying this knowledge in real-world scenarios.
In-depth Exploration of Qualitative Research
Led by Prof. Adebola, the sessions focusing on qualitative research enriched attendees’ understanding significantly. Topics included the nuances of qualitative data collection, and interpretation, and the essential skills a qualitative researcher should possess. The agenda featured a well-rounded view of the role of qualitative research in both clinical and social settings.
Milestones Achieved and Skills Acquired
By the training’s conclusion, all groups were able to present research abstracts that included descriptive summaries, complex bivariate analyses, and advanced multivariable analyses. This achievement marked not only the application of newly acquired skills but also a significant step towards future research undertakings.
The Roadmap for Continued Success
To ensure the program’s impact extends beyond the training session, several follow-up measures are in place:
- A systematic one-year follow-up is planned, with assessments scheduled at 6-month and one-year intervals to gauge long-term efficacy.
- The panel of experts has extended an invitation for additional mentorship, offering their expertise to help participants in their specific areas of research.
- Plans to extend the availability of STATA software licenses are under discussion, depending on resources.
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The event concluded on a high note, with the distribution of certificates and a group photo, encapsulating a sense of collective achievement and optimism for future contributions to AIDS research.
Capturing the Moment
