The World Health Organization (WHO), in collaboration with the Rwanda Biomedical Center (RBC), has provided financial and technical support to medical students from the Medical Student Association of Rwanda (MEDSAR) to build their capacity in evidence generation and use. Through a learning by doing approach, 50 medical students were trained in how to conduct operational research by developing research protocols, data collection, data cleaning, analysis and report writing.
Sandrine Umutoni, a 23-year-old young lady and one of the 50 medical students trained, reflected on the existing gaps in terms of knowledge on research processes prior to their training. 

"Initially, when we approached WHO for financial support with our research project, the proposal was barely 2 pages, encompassing data collection tools and consent forms. We have really come a long way since then. We just finalized our research on Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights, using a case-control study design. This experience not only expanded our capabilities but also deepened our understanding of conducting impactful research in public health." said Sandrine Mutoni, member of MEDSAR.

Following the approval of the protocol by the Institute Review Board of the University of Rwanda and the Rwanda National Ethics Committee, these students conducted a case-control study aimed at assessing the factors associated with teenage pregnancy among adolescent mothers in Rwanda, as well as their current living conditions. The study was conducted in 11 selected districts, including Gasabo, Nyarugenge, Kicukiro, Musanze, Rulindo, Rubavu, Karongi, Gatsibo, Rwamagana, Nyaruguru, and Muhanga. The results of the study will inform programs and policies related to Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health (ASRH) and will provide clear insights into the postpartum lives of these adolescents and how their lives can be improved.

Lauriane Nyiraneza, a technical officer at WHO Rwanda Country Office, has worked with MEDSAR every step of the research process. Her journey with the students has yielded tangible results. "WHO invests in strengthening the capacity of students from universities in health sciences as part of its broader mission to promote health, prevent disease, and achieve health equity worldwide, while ensuring quality of care. These 50 students carried out a control study resulting in a comprehensive report on teenage pregnancy risk factors and three scholarly manuscripts. We are proud to contribute not only to the advancement of their academic knowledge but also directly impact communities by informing evidence-based interventions and policies tailored to improve adolescent health outcomes in practical and meaningful ways." said Lauriane Nyiraneza.

Three research manuscripts were developed to inform programs and policies related to ASRH and postpartum lives among adolescents. Data collectors gathered pertinent information on teenagers' access to adolescent sexual and reproductive health services by engaging directly with them to understand their experiences and utilization of these services. The study findings revealed that non-schooled adolescents were twice as likely to become pregnant. Similarly, adolescents who lack education on sexual and reproductive health were 2.5 times more likely to get pregnant. Notably, the risk of pregnancy increased 5.6 times for adolescents who did not visit health facilities for SRH services. Furthermore, adolescents who had experienced gender-based violence were 2.7 times more likely to have become pregnant compared to those who did not.

Richard Nduwayezu, Medical Education Specialist and Head of Department of Primary Health Care at UR-CMHS, commended the students for their drive and expressed the pride he takes in watching them blossom. "Students were fully engaged in all research aspects, from inception and data collection to analysis and report writing. This transformative experience exemplifies the impactful partnerships the University of Rwanda seeks through the UNITED FOR HEALTH initiative at the College of Medicine and Health Sciences. There is nothing that makes us, educators, happier than to see the interest and this high level of engagement of our students." said Richard Nduwayezu.
 

With WHO's technical and financial support, MEDSAR successfully conducted the studies. Now proficient in the various aspects of research, from protocol design to data analysis and report writing, the future medical doctors are now equipped to drive evidence-based practices and shape interventions for better healthcare outcomes.