02273nas a2200205   4500000000100000008004100001260003700042100001100079700001300090700001100103700001100114700001200125700002400137245007500161856010900236300000900345490000600354520169300360022001402053       2024                            d  bPublic Library of Science (PLoS)1 aAmos A1 aGuerra C1 aReid C1 aToro E1 aCalia C1 aMedina Arellano MDJ00aExploring ethical practice in NGOS on mental health research in Malawi  uhttps://journals.plos.org/globalpublichealth/article/file?id=10.1371/journal.pgph.0003001&type=printable  a1-150 v43 a<p>In recent years, an increasing trend in mental health research has been to collaborate with non-governmental organizations [NGOs] and their constituents. However, ethical difficulties can arise as a result of such partnerships. Understanding the ethics-related practices of NGOs engaged in mental health research is therefore critical. This study addressed these questions in a Malawian context. The goal of this study was to investigate NGO’s ethical practices in relation to mental health research by identifying characteristics that influence ethical practices and investigating staff conceptualization of ethics and mental health. Twenty individuals who work for different local NGOs took part in one-on-one interviews or a workshop about their engagement in diverse research initiatives. They pinpointed the areas that needed improvement, as well as the challenges and chances to create partnerships and increase research capability. The diversity in conceptualizing mental health was a key influence on research practices, with heterogeneity in definitions reflected in the use of cultural, spiritual, behavioural, or medical terms. Notably, there was also a greater emphasis on procedural ethics than ethics-in-practice. Collaboration dynamics and limited staffing capacity were cited as major ethical practice considerations. Each of these elements have an impact on NGOs’ ethical behaviour when conducting mental health research. Participants in the study saw engagement with notions of both ethics and mental health as lacking or rudimentary in their institutions and felt that they needed to be improved through capacity building and stronger research involvement.</p>
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