Authors: Carlos Eduardo Cuinhane, Beatriz Galatas, Julia Montaña Lopez, Helder Djive, Hoticha Nhantumbo, Ilda Murato, Francisco Saúte, Pedro Aide, Khátia Munguambe, Neusa Torres
This study sought to analyze the acceptability and perceived barriers to reactive focal mass drug administration (rfMDA) among community members exposed to community engagement campaigns and malaria elimination interventions in the Magude district of Mozambique. A qualitative study design was utilized, consisting of semi-structured interviews with community members, community health workers, and healthcare professionals, alongside focus group discussions with the general adult population. Subsequent results demonstrated acceptability of rfMDA. This was found to be driven by factors such as awareness about the intervention, experience of a previous similar program, participation in the previous MDA campaign, and favorable perceptions built on the belief that rfMDA would help to prevent, treat, and eliminate malaria in the community. Barriers to rfMDA, however, were highlighted, including lack of access to accurate information, reluctance to take a pregnancy test, concern regarding drug adverse reactions, and reluctance to take antimalarial drugs without any symptoms. Although rfMDA was found to be widely accepted, further implementation should focus on increasing community engagement to foster community involvement and ownership over the malaria program.
Link: Acceptability and perceived barriers to reactive focal mass drug administration in the context of a malaria elimination program in Magude district, Southern Mozambique: A qualitative study
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Resource Topic: Acceptability, Barriers, CHW, Malaria Elimination
Resource Type: Research
Year: 2023
Region: Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA)
Country: Mozambique
Publisher May Restrict Access: No