Table 4 Summary of thematic analysis

Challenges to implementing HRCB interventions

Structural/systemic challenges

Underdeveloped research culture influenced the prioritization of HRCB programmes, the development of locally led national and regional partnerships, and the lack of sustainability of initiatives

Logistical challenges

Organization and execution of HRCB programmes was hindered due to a shortage of both technical and human resources as well as funding, lack of adequate time to conduct the programme, and issues of technological literacy

Personnel challenges

Miscommunication due to language barriers along with varying levels of acceptability and support towards HRCB by institutional leadership contributed to the delay in implementation of the programmes

Assessment and evaluation concerns

Gaps in collecting data from participants and stakeholders, including lack of appropriate tools, inadequate long-term assessment mechanisms, as well as low rate of participant engagement, made it difficult to accurately assess both proximal and distal outcomes of the HRCB programme

Strengths of HRCB interventions

Locally driven

Initiatives developed by local collaborations, designed to meet local needs, and informed by local needs assessments were successful in ensuring that the HRCB interventions were beneficial to the population

Pedagogical considerations

HRCB programmes with interactive and practical pedagogical approaches were perceived as more engaging and beneficial to participants, particularly when they allowed participants to contribute to ongoing local projects

Holistic CB Intervention

Capacity building programmes that promoted inclusion of a multidisciplinary population and involved learning about all stages of research development, coordination, and delivery were reported as more acceptable, feasible, and sustainable

Recommendations and opportunities for improvement

Logistics of HRCB development and delivery

There is a need for FCASs to prioritize local funding for HRCB initiatives, equip programmes with adequate resources to carry out the programme, ensure they are of a longer duration, and train trainers on understanding the needs and cultural aspects of the local context

Structural components of HRCB interventions

To overcome systematic issues, recommendations include conducting a needs assessment to subsequently tailor the HRCB programme, preparing a thorough evaluation approach, involving various stakeholders and disciplines, and ensuring equity in partnership involvement

Content of HRCB interventions

It is suggested that programmes be designed using contextually relevant material and delivered using engaging and practical approaches with hands-on experiences to facilitate active learning