Building capacity for Implementation Science research in Non-Communicable Diseases (BImS-NCDs)

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Abstract Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST) developed and successfully implemented the ‘Mbarara University Research Training Initiative (MURTI)’ (D43TW010128; PI: Obua) to build capacity for junior faculty in HIV and non-communicable diseases (NCDs). We now propose to expand on the MURTI investment by creating a research training hub at MUST with support from National Institutes of Health and IC partners such as the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) with the mission is to seek fundamental knowledge about the brain and nervous system and to use that knowledge to reduce the burden of neurological disease for all people; the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) which supports research that transforms the understanding and treatment of mental illnesses; and the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) that supports and conducts research on the impact of alcohol use on human health and well-being. MUST will utilize these supports to strengthen the capacity of rural Uganda health professions training institutions (HPTIs) on NCDs across the lifespan. NCDs are an emerging global pandemic and the leading cause of death with disproportionately higher rates in developing countries. MUST, a rural based institution has developed capacity in NCDs (e.g., neurological disorders, mental health) and IS through the D43TW010128 to address real-life problems and provide sustainable solutions. We propose a research training hub at MUST for “Building capacity for Implementation Science research in Non-Communicable Diseases (BImS-NCDs)”. We will draw on existing expertise (methods and/or infrastructure for mentorship) developed during the D43TW010128 to provide training and mentoring to clinicians and health professionals, while developing new expertise in IS theories and frameworks to adapt implementation science tools for the Ugandan context. Through the hub, we will provide leadership, best practices, research support, mentoring and training in biomedical, behavioral, and IS for long- term training to the partner institutions in rural Uganda. We plan to address three scientific areas of public health significance: neurological disorders, mental health, and alcohol use disorders. This will be achieved through four specific aims: 1) To create a training hub at MUST to support research and research training in implementation science; 2) To train clinicians and health professionals in basic epidemiological, prevention, and implementation science skills to conduct research in NCDs across the lifespan in rural Uganda; 3) To provide mentor training for BImS-NCDs mentors; and 4) To create a community of practice among the trainees and mentors. During the 5-years, we will build capacity of the 6 PhD trainees and over 800 trainees in short courses. The aims will be supported by expertise from the California University of Science and Medicine (CUSM), Claremont Graduate University (CGU) and Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) and within Uganda. By the end of the 5 Years funding, this grant will have provided foundational expertise for future NCD research and training focused on rural Africa.