Abstract:
We report on occurrence and correlates of self-reported
research misconduct (RM) by 100 Kenyan researchers who
had received ethics approval for an HIV research in the
5 years preceding the survey. The survey used the Scientific
Misconduct Questionnaire-Revised tool uploaded on a
Research Electronic Data Capture (REDCAP) platform. The
response rate was low at 17.3% (100 out of 577) with 53.9%
reporting awareness of an incident of RM in the preceding
5 years. Awareness was associated with being in academia,
perception of vulnerability to being caught, and the severity
of possible punishment, if discovered. Two-thirds (68.3%)
reported ever-involvement in any misconduct. Self-report of
involvement in misconduct was associated with knowledge
of rules and procedures on RM and a disposition to support
such rules and regulations. Nearly 36% reported ever-involve-
ment infabrication, falsification and/or plagiarism (FFP). Self-
report of ever-involvement in FFP was associated with number
of years in the academic position, perceived likelihood of being
caught, and the perceived severity of the sanctions, if caught.
We conclude that the occurrence of RM is not uncommon, and
efforts to create awareness about RM as well as to establish
institutional structures and policies on RM are needed.
