On the Extent of Implementing Research Ethics among Animal Scientists at a National University in the Global South

This exploratory study sought to determine the extent of implementing research ethics by animal scientists and how they contribute to improving research productivity in the global south. A cross-sectional survey design using stratified sampling was used. Data were collected from a sample of 93 scientists who had pursued bachelor’s, master’s, and/or doctoral degrees, or had conducted non-degree research. The study found imbalances by gender, with males pursuing research more than females ( p = 0.046 ). Surveys and experimental studies were conducted, rather than reviews ( p = 0001 ). There was limited acquisition of informed consent by researchers. No financial inducements were given to respondents. There was limited knowledge of the functions of institutional review boards; however, doctoral researchers had more knowledge than other categories ( p = 0.001 ). There were deliberate efforts to handle the cultures of respondents, such as hiring local enumerators. All researchers did not have conflicts of interest, and their funders never interfered with data management and reporting processes. However, the degree of study significantly ( p < 0.05 ) influenced the presence of several ethical issues, including guest authors, ghost authors, salami slicing, and bias in authorship assignment. The study recommends capacity building of animal scientists in ethical research processes with a focus on seeking informed consent, respondents' protection, and research ethics committees' roles. Universities should acquire anti-plagiarism software for researchers. Students and academics should build their capacity on ethical issues in publishing research results. Research Ethics Committees at universities should be strengthened to promote mainstreaming of research culture to foster credibility and usability of the findings in community development.