Limpopo provincial health research committee outcomes: Implications for ethics practice and future research

Background. Various institutional or organisational ethics research bodies are responsible for approving, safeguarding and monitoring strict adherence to the ethical research conduct of researchers seeking approval and conducting research, which is crucial for rational science, particularly in biomedical and allied health research involving humans. Understanding the profiles and outcomes of research submissions and reviews by ethics research bodies informs research direction and better practice. Objective. The objective of this study was to evaluate the profile, types of studies, and outcomes of research proposals submitted to the Limpopo Provincial Health Research Committee (LPHRC) of the Department of Health, Limpopo Province, South Africa, from January 2014 to July 2024. Methods. A retrospective, cross-sectional analytical study of all research proposals submitted to the LPHRC was conducted from January 2014 to July 2024. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics. Results. Of the 2 066 research proposals submitted to the LPHRC within the review period, the majority were in the years 2020 and 2022, accounting for 17.3% and 13.5%, respectively. About 30.8% were not funded, and 21% were self-funded by the researchers. Few research proposals were funded by organisations (9.7%), the government (4.0%) and companies (1.5%). Notably, 28.7% of the research proposals were rejected for various reasons, probably owing to non-compliance with LPHRC principles. About 46% of the proposals did not specify study designs. Intriguingly, infections (9.3%), mental health (8.9%), respiratory conditions including tuberculosis, and injuries and accidents, were among the least studied research areas in Limpopo Province. Conclusion. The study identified critical areas needing improvement in research practices, particularly concerning incomplete information on submissions to the LPHREC. Research focusing on national health research priorities, and particularly mental health, warrants attention and stakeholder funding to inform evidence-based practice and interventions.