Ongoing Research Projects

Background/Objective:

We propose to co-develop and test a methodologically flexible, interactive mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) toolkit in partnership with older refugees and refugees with disabilities as co-researchers using a participatory action research (PAR) approach. Humanitarian actors rely on evidence to guide decision-making. Yet, older people and people with disabilities can be difficult to reach during assessment and evaluation data collection. Moreover, there is limited advice on how to ethically engage these diverse and marginalised groups in data collection. The toolkit – tentatively called “HESHIMA: A Guide to Collaborative and Inclusive Health Research in Humanitarian Settings” will address these challenges by providing guidance on research ethics, building partnerships with older people and people with disabilities, adaptation of recruitment, data collection and dissemination strategies to enhance inclusion. Importantly, this strategy has the potential to address both MPHSS research processes and outcomes, equipping humanitarian actors, older people, and people with disabilities with evidence to advocate for lasting solutions. “‘Heshima’ is Kiswahili for ‘respect’ or ‘dignity,’ and we seek to promote these through our toolkit. Indeed, as an acronym, HESHIMA is our anchoring keystone for inclusion and equity: Honouring Experiences and Shared Humanity in Mobilising for Action.”