Idemili-Aronu N, Jemisenia JO, et al.
Robust data collection is essential to designing effective chronic-disease interventions, yet the field researchers who gather it remain understudied in countries such as Nigeria. Using a qualitative phenomenological design, researchers conducted in-depth interviews with 12 research coordinators across 12 healthcare facilities affiliated with the Nigeria Implementation Science Alliance-Model Innovation and Research Centres, analyzed with Colaizzi's method and thematic analysis. Coordinators found the work meaningful despite emotional strain from sensitive topics. Major barriers included limited participant health literacy, cultural and religious factors, participant reluctance, and infrastructural constraints, while preparatory training, relationship-building, and organizational support served as facilitators. Findings support stronger psychological and organizational support systems to protect data integrity and researcher wellbeing in chronic-illness research.
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