Abstract

The objectives of this integrative systematic review were to describe how community researchers (CRs) in low-and middle-income country (LMIC) settings are recruited, trained and supported in research projects, to identify facilitators, challenges and impacts of involving CRs, and to explore CRs’ own experiences of conducting research. This area has not previously been synthesised across studies, thereby offering an original contribution to the evidence base. Primary research studies, of any study design and in any language, that provided insights into the review objectives in LMICs were included in the review. Search strategies included database searches and backward and forward chaining. Seven databases were searched on 5th November 2024 without date or language limits: Medline, Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO, SocINDEX, Web of Science and Global Index Medicus. Quality assessment of included studies was conducted using the Mixed-Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT). Qualitative synthesis of the findings was undertaken using a reflexive thematic approach. Overall, 39 papers reporting 27 studies were included in the review, with only seven papers scoring under 80% on the MMAT. Findings were synthesised over four themes: (1) recruitment, engagement and support; (2) benefits and challenges to the community researchers and communities; (3) benefits and challenges to the research; (4) ethics of engagement. Engaging CRs offers clear benefits, including improved access to marginalised groups, reduced power imbalances, and richer, culturally informed data. However, this review also highlights ethical concerns, emotional strain, and inequitable compensation, particularly in LMIC contexts where there are structural inequalities, limited resources, and sociocultural challenges. These findings highlight the need for research teams to adopt more ethical and inclusive approaches to CR involvement. Priorities include attribute-based recruitment processes, comprehensive training and ongoing support, fair remuneration, and structures that protect CRs’ wellbeing. Strengthening these practices is essential to minimise harm, enhance data quality, and ensure community-engaged research delivers meaningful and equitable benefits.