The fact that our retention rates were in line with those reported in similar study populations emphasizes the challenges associated with performing clinical research among high risk women in resource poor settings [23], [24].
Papers that have considered preparedness plans from resource poor settings [ 13, 14, 22, 23] have not adequately addressed ethics issues.
The motivational human resources for health literature has also argued that increasing wages to levels comparable to the private or overseas sector may be less affordable than addressing non-financial incentives in relatively resource poor contexts [ 34, 56, 57].
Neither of these criteria can currently be met in resource poor settings [2].
Anaemia is a common disorder, affecting a third of the world population most of whom live in resource poor countries [1].
Despite recent efforts aimed at reducing child mortality in resource poor countries, 11 million children under the age of five years die each year, mainly from infections and malnutrition [ 1].
One study showed that rats living in a "resource rich" environment, with sources of pleasure, recreation, and socializing, were less likely to use or become addicted to substances than rats living in "resource poor" environments.[56].[56]
A recent meta-analysis showed that self-report adherence measures are predictive of clinical outcomes,[ 8] a finding that has been replicated in resource poor settings [ 2- 4, 9].
Hazardous alcohol use particularly impacts on physical and mental health outcomes, and is associated with economic disadvantage in both resource-rich [ 6, 7] and resource-poor [ 8, 9] countries.
However, the burden of undernutrition is still a major public health problem especially in resource poor countries [ 2, 3].
These reasons raise concerns on how to conduct research that is ethical in resource poor countries [ 21, 22].
