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Open Access 01-09-2020 | Public Health | Original article

Attitudes and practices of public health academics towards research funding from for-profit organizations: cross-sectional survey

Authors: Rima Nakkash, Ahmed Ali, Hala Alaouie, Khalil Asmar, Norbert Hirschhorn, Sanaa Mugharbil, Iman Nuwayhid, Leslie London, Amina Saban, Sabina Faiz Rashid, Md Koushik Ahmed, Cecile Knai, Charlotte Bigland, Rima A. Afifi

Published in: International Journal of Public Health | Issue 7/2020

Abstract

Objectives

The growing trend of for-profit organization (FPO)-funded university research is concerning because resultant potential conflicts of interest might lead to biases in methods, results, and interpretation. For public health academic programmes, receiving funds from FPOs whose products have negative health implications may be particularly problematic.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey assessed attitudes and practices of public health academics towards accepting funding from FPOs. The sampling frame included universities in five world regions offering a graduate degree in public health; 166 academics responded. Descriptive, bivariate, and logistic regression analyses were conducted.

Results

Over half of respondents were in favour of accepting funding from FPOs; attitudes differed by world region and gender but not by rank, contract status, % salary offset required, primary identity, or exposure to an ethics course. In the last 5 years, almost 20% of respondents had received funding from a FPO. Sixty per cent of respondents agreed that there was potential for bias in seven aspects of the research process, when funds were from FPOs.

Conclusions

Globally, public health academics should increase dialogue around the potential harms of research and practice funded by FPOs.

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Title: Attitudes and practices of public health academics towards research funding from for-profit organizations: cross-sectional survey
Authors: Rima Nakkash
Ahmed Ali
Hala Alaouie
Khalil Asmar
Norbert Hirschhorn
Sanaa Mugharbil
Iman Nuwayhid
Leslie London
Amina Saban
Sabina Faiz Rashid
Md Koushik Ahmed
Cecile Knai
Charlotte Bigland
Rima A. Afifi
Publication date: 01-09-2020
Publisher: Springer International Publishing
Keyword: Public Health
Published in: International Journal of Public Health / Issue 7/2020
Print ISSN: 1661-8556
Electronic ISSN: 1661-8564
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00038-020-01416-0

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Attitudes and practices of public health academics towards research funding from for-profit organizations: cross-sectional survey

Abstract

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusions

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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