Systematic dissemination of study findings from local to national stakeholders: a case of a social network-based study on HIV self-testing and linkage among fishermen in Kenya

Disseminating research findings to potential beneficiaries such as study participants, community members, and stakeholders is a critical component of participatory research. While there is general agreement that dissemination is critical, documented examples of comprehensive dissemination activities are few in the literature. We present a concrete example of a multi-level stakeholder dissemination process from a successful HIV self-testing and linkage to treatment and prevention intervention, describe the dissemination framework used to guide activities, document the process required to carry out the dissemination, and provide qualitative observations and feedback from the process. Findings are from direct engagement in discussions with participants, community members, sub-County and County health managers, and the National AIDS & STI Coordinating Program (NASCOP) leadership during the community engagement and dissemination process. Using Stakeholder Theory and Diffusion of Innovations Theory as guides, Stakekeepers (research institutions, local Institutional Review Boards, the National Sexually Transmitted Infection & HIV Control Program), Stakewatchers (County and sub-County Health Management Teams who act as proxies or intermediaries who protect the interests of real stakeholders) and Stakeholders (such as participants and health facilities, i.e.: Beach Management Units, community members and study participants) felt that the engagement and dissemination process improved upon dissemination of research findings to key stakeholders over usual dissemination efforts. The process of engaging real Stakeholders, Stakewatchers and Stakekeepers brings on board both service recipients, policymakers, and implementers of public health interventions and maintained supportive community relationships and positive views of engagement in research. We provide a concrete example, and lessons learned from a successful multi-level research results dissemination process that can serve as a model for future dissemination efforts. The trial was registered at Clinical Trials.gov on February 26, 2021 (registration #NCT04772469).