Citation

Meta J, Nasuwa F, Mwendo E, Reyburn H, Bower JH. Neurology 2014; 82(10): 895-897.

Affiliation

From the Joint Malaria Programme (J.M., F.N., H.R.), London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine; Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College (E.M.), Moshi, Tanzania; and the Department of Neurology (J.H.B.), Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2014, Lippincott Williams and Wilkins)

DOI

10.1212/WNL.0000000000000184

PMID

24616193

Abstract

Participation rates in epidemiologic studies in African communities are historically high. We recently performed a pilot prevalence study for neurologic morbidity in Mungushi, Tanzania, where the participation rate was 645/657 subjects (98.2%).(1) We questioned whether this high rate was due to a sincere motivation to participate or a fear of refusal of participation. As Western investigators are increasingly performing neuroepidemiologic work in Africa, it is imperative to distinguish between the 2 explanations. Investigators need to tailor the consent process to the local community's needs, and be sensitive to the motivation of the participants whose culture may differ from their own.

Language: en