Challenges of Researchers in Conducting International Study during the Eruption of COVID-19: Student and Mentor Perspectives

Conducting an international research study may bear various challenges; however, during the global COVID-19 crisis, such a study undertakes unpredictable trajectories. This paper explores the challenges experienced by researchers studying Syrian refugees' physical and mental health and aid work...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:International journal of environmental research and public health 2022-01, Vol.19 (2), p.844
Main Authors: Mobaraka, Jenail, Elkazzaz, Lian, Rizkalla, Niveen
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Community support
Coronaviruses
COVID-19
Disease transmission
Humans
Interviews
Medical research
Mental disorders
Mental health
Mentors
NGOs
Nongovernmental organizations
Pandemics
Post traumatic stress disorder
Professional development
Refugees
SARS-CoV-2
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2
Shelter in place
Students
Trauma
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Summary:Conducting an international research study may bear various challenges; however, during the global COVID-19 crisis, such a study undertakes unpredictable trajectories. This paper explores the challenges experienced by researchers studying Syrian refugees' physical and mental health and aid workers serving under humanitarian organizations in Lebanon. It includes information about the changes in the study's goals and design with the emergence and spread of SARS-CoV-2, as necessitated by the circumstances COVID-19 imposed. It focuses on the unique perspectives of the research team of two students and their mentor who faced multiple challenges while involved in the study, and their narratives and subjective experiences that led to new opportunities for growth in the project. The research team specifically engaged in humanistic and existential psychology in order to conduct research in a manner conducive to personal and professional development, productivity and growth. To conclude, the researchers propose recommendations to the academic community on mitigating some of the challenges faced when conducting international research, and suggestions to the humanitarian sector serving vulnerable populations in conflict zones during COVID-19.
ISSN:1660-4601
1661-7827
1660-4601
DOI:10.3390/ijerph19020844