Moving toward evidence-based research framework for communicating health research evidence in Malawi

Effective communication of evidence from health research is critical for informing policies and improving health outcomes. However, low- and middle-income countries, such as Malawi, face persistent challenges in ensuring that research findings are accessible, timely, and tailored to decision-makers' needs. Existing dissemination approaches often fail to align with policy cycles, audience preferences, and ethical standards. This study was conducted amid these challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, a period that amplified the importance and complexity of health evidence communication. This study aimed to address this gap by developing an evidence-based research communication framework to improve the dissemination and uptake of health research evidence in Malawi. This study sought to assess health researchers' perceptions, attitudes, and practices regarding research communication, explore the engagement of technical working groups (TWGs) in evidence uptake, and use these insights to develop a context-specific, evidence-based communication framework for health research dissemination in Malawi. This cross-sectional study was conducted between June and August 2021 at the Kamuzu University of Health Sciences (KUHeS) in Malawi. Quantitative data were collected using a structured, self-administered questionnaire with a 5-point Likert scale, targeting health researchers. The data focused on their research communication practices, challenges, and engagement with decision-making platforms such as TWGs. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyse the data and examine the relationships between researchers and TWGs in evidence dissemination. Findings revealed that while technical working groups (TWGs) demonstrated high awareness of new health research evidence ( P = 0.007) and actively engaged in evidence-based decision-making ( P = 0.013), significant communication and coordination challenges persisted between TWGs and research institutions. Health researchers have reported limited involvement in policy engagement activities and have faced constraints in disseminating findings within policy-relevant timelines. Universities, research centres, and institutes were significantly involved in formulating study objectives ( P = 0.005), developing research methods ( P = 0.029), and analysing results ( P = 0.010); however, they struggled to tailor research outputs for policy use. These insights directly informed the development of a framework designed to enhance the alignment between research production and evidence dissemination processes. This study highlights persistent barriers to communication between TWGs and research groups, including misaligned priorities, differing communication styles, time constraints, and institutional bureaucracy. Addressing these barriers is essential for fostering collaborative, timely, and contextually appropriate dissemination of health research evidence. The findings of this study contribute to the development of a tailored, evidence-based research communication framework aimed at improving the dissemination and utilization of health research evidence in Malawi. This framework supports the successful implementation of the national research agenda by enhancing collaboration between researchers and TWGs, promoting evidence-informed policy-making, and ultimately improving population health outcomes.