The Global Nursing Research Seed Award empowers nurses and advanced practice providers to ignite bold, innovative global health initiatives that address pressing health disparities through nurse-led, quality improvement research. The award serves as a catalyst for emerging nurse scholars to transform ideas into meaningful action, deepen global partnerships, and advance evidence-based care in diverse settings as they strengthen health systems, uplift communities, and contribute to shaping a more equitable landscape.
Church-Based Friendship Bench Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial
PIs: Charisse Ahmed, PhD, RN; Moomba Thornicroft, MPH
By conducting a randomized controlled trial, the research team is evaluating a locally adapted, lay-delivered, trauma-informed, problem-solving therapeutic model based on the Friendship Bench to improve depression and mental health, HIV prevention, and HIV treatment outcomes among young Zambian women with histories of gender-based violence. Over six months of follow-up, the research team is assessing the clinical effectiveness and implementation outcomes, including barriers, facilitators, acceptability, and feasibility of church-based delivery, as well as intervention fidelity among trained lay counselors.
Joe P. Davies, BSN, RN
Ssentamu John Vanglist, MBCHB
Prevalence of Diabetes Mellitus in Maryland County, Liberia: A Community-Based Study
PIs: Joe P. Davies, BSN, RN; Ssentamu John Vanglist, MBCHB
The multidisciplinary team of nurses, physicians, public health specialists, lab technologists, and community health volunteers will determine the prevalence of diabetes mellitus, associated sociodemographic characteristics, and cardiovascular risk factors across 24 health clinics in Maryland County, Liberia, to address critical data gaps and inform rural healthcare planning. Objectives include improving the detection and management of diabetes mellitus, supporting national non-communicable disease planning, enhancing global health collaboration for diabetes prevention and control, and increasing public awareness while reducing the stigma associated with diabetes in Liberia.
Evelyn Bigini, PhD(c), MSc, RN
Patricia Efe Azikiwe, BSN, RM, RN
Understanding Providers’ Perspectives on Perinatal Depression and Potential Solutions at Koidu Government Hospital, Sierra Leone
PIs: Evelyn Bigini, PhD(c), MSc, RN; Patricia Efe Azikiwe, BSN, RM, RN
The research team is examining healthcare providers’ perspectives on perinatal depression (PND) at Koidu Government Hospital (KGH) in Sierra Leone. The researchers are assessing providers’ observations of patients’ PND symptoms, the emotional and occupational impacts of caring for patients with PND symptoms, and the coping strategies providers use. The researchers also aim to identify priority areas for future interventions to support patients and providers, including training needs, patient resources, and provider mental health support to strengthen PND care as well as patient and provider wellbeing.
Nira Matunda, BSN, RN
Ruth Palmeri, BSN, RN
Erin Brenner, MSN, RNFA
John Meshack, BSN, RN
Creating and Implementing a Preceptor Training Course for Operating Room Nurses at Muhimbili National Hospital, Tanzania
PIs: Nira Matunda, BSN, RN; John Meshack, BSN, RN; Erin Brenner, MSN, RNFA; Ruth Palmeri, BSN, RN
The research team is developing, implementing, and evaluating Tanzania’s first perioperative nurse training program by preparing 20 operating room nurse preceptors through an evidence-based, eight-hour clinical training. Educating preceptors in clinical reasoning is essential for effectively training new operating room nurses. They aim to strengthen the practice of current operating room nurses at Muhimbili National Hospital and ensure that future nurses receive consistent, high-quality mentorship that supports clinical learning, communication, and professional development.