Harmonizing voices: A collaborative, cross-cultural approach for adolescent sexual and reproductive health research

International research studies often leverage the knowledge and lived experience of in-country investigators to develop data collection tools and analyze the resulting data, but not that of local research staff. Recognizing this missed opportunity, the Maneno Yetu study implemented a novel collaborative, cross-cultural approach that leveraged our team members’ knowledge of the study communities. Our U.S.- and Kenya-based research team jointly participated in interview guide development and data analysis for focus group discussions exploring sexual and reproductive health behaviors of Kenyan adolescents. Our Kenya-based team members drew from their own adolescence growing up in similar environments to develop an interview guide that resonated with our study population and conducted the data analysis, with training and mentoring by U.S.-based members. We created a team structure and research environment that promoted egalitarianism, inclusiveness, and collectiveness within the rigor of a National Institutes of Health study. Our approach fostered a supportive working environment, created family-like dynamics, empowered equal partnerships, and amplified investment in the success of the study. Engaging both U.S.- and Kenya-based members in all study phases and integrating capacity building as a study goal helped develop our team’s qualitative research skills. The collaborative team approach strengthened the validity of findings and provided professional development opportunities. Future studies can benefit greatly by leveraging the valuable contributions of all team members, irrespective of educational degree or position title. Given our team’s overwhelmingly positive experience, we encourage other investigators to integrate this collaborative, cross-cultural approach into their research programs.