Building Qualitative Research Capacity in Implementation Laboratories: Outcomes of a Structured Training Program in ICON-3 PBRN, Nigeria.

Abstract

Background: Qualitative methods are essential to capture lived experience and contextual nuance, but many frontline data collectors in Nigeria lack systematic training. This study evaluated a structured, practice-oriented training for Site Research Coordinators (SRCs) across Nigeria's implementation laboratories.

Methods: Twelve SRCs participated in a pre-post evaluation assessing core conceptual knowledge, informed-consent practices, interview preparation/conduct, and self-reported confidence and practice. Items were dichotomized and analyzed using exact McNemar tests and percentage-point change with 95% confidence intervals.

Results: The training produced a marked improvement in understanding the purpose of interview guides (8.3% → 91.7%; p = .002). Substantial absolute gains (+41.7 percentage points) were also observed in preparing open-ended questions and recognizing effective probing techniques; however, these changes did not reach statistical significance (p = .06), likely due to the small sample size. High baseline performance on ethical consent items limited measurable change. Across items with observed improvement, all discordant pairs reflected change from incorrect to correct responses, indicating consistent directional learning rather than random variation.

Conclusions: Short, practice-oriented training can produce meaningful improvements in specific qualitative-research competencies among SRCs. To translate these gains into durable field practice, training should be paired with supervised fieldwork, mentorship, and institutional supports. The study produced a practical training guide to support scale-up and future evaluation.