Experiences of researchers in navigating applied research in the MENA region: an exploratory online cross-sectional survey

Research productivity has increased in the Middle East North Africa (MENA) region despite a generally non-supportive research environment. This study builds on existing scholarship by exploring researchers’ self-assessed skills, capabilities and the barriers they encounter in conducting research and applying research ethics in their contexts. We conducted an exploratory cross-sectional online survey with 152 regional research networks from any discipline in six countries across the MENA region. Inclusion criteria were researchers over the age of 18 and having been actively engaged in research involving human participants within the past five years. Descriptive and bivariate analyses, Chi-square and Fisher’s exact tests were used to examine statistical differences in respondents’ characteristics, knowledge and perceptions of research ethics by gender and education level. A total of 117 researchers completed the survey; 64% were female, 55% had doctoral degrees, 43% worked at private universities, and 48% conducted research in low- and middle- income countries. The main fields of research were public health (28%), social sciences (18%), medicine (16%), and nursing (16%). Findings were observed at the intrapersonal and research environment levels. At the intrapersonal level, most respondents reported the presence of institutional ethics review processes (91%) and familiarity with ethics procedures (92%), however, only 46% felt confident resolving ethical dilemmas independently, with 83% seeking advice or consulting guidelines. Many expressed the need for more training and mentorship despite the high percentage (68%) reporting having received ethics training. Several challenges were reported at the level of the research environment, including limited time to conduct research (77%), insufficient funding and support (70%), lack of collaboration opportunities (63%), and restricted freedom in disseminating research findings (32%). Although the vast majority of researchers had received training in research and research ethics, and many were familiar with relevant research ethics guidelines in their field and institution, gaps remained – particularly at the institutional level. Findings highlight the need for systemic improvements in research capacity, ethics support, and supportive institutional environments.