Global child health in higher education in Germany: a mixed-methods study

BACKGROUND: Germany has an ambitious global health strategy, yet its universities provide few opportunities for global child health researchers. Improved understanding of the reasons and the academic role of global child health is needed. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to offer insights into Germany’s academic global child health landscape by describing the actors and their priorities in research and education and by analysing perceived barriers and opportunities. METHODS: We used a sequential exploratory mixed-method design. Participants were selected purposively to represent German global child health academics. Information was gathered first from a 33-item online survey and from interviews conducted four to six months post-survey. Surveys were analysed descriptively. A joint thematic approach using content analysis was used to analyse interview transcripts. RESULTS: Four categories emerged: training and professional orientation; professional realities; representation and advocacy, and barriers. Of the 20 survey participants (median [IQR] age 55 years [17], five female), seven agreed to be interviewed. Research experiences abroad shaped individuals’ career choices in global child health. They engaged in global child health education, primary health care and access to health services, frequently in clinical and humanitarian settings, but spent little time on global child health-related activities. Participants were active and valued in international networks and keen to extend their activities. Yet they felt under-represented academically and reported multiple structural and individual barriers in Germany. They perceived a lack of leadership positions, career paths, funding opportunities, and institutional and project support which limits academic advancement. CONCLUSIONS: Germany’s global child health experts are motivated to engage with global child health-related topics but face difficulties in advancing academically. Academic actors may need to intensify research and training efforts in order to expand global child health’s scientific base in Germany.