Attitudes and perceptions towards developing a health educational video to enhance optimal uptake of malaria preventive therapy among pregnant women in Uganda: a qualitative study involving pregnant women, health workers, and Ministry of health officials.

BACKGROUND: Malaria in pregnancy remains a major global public health problem. Intermittent prophylaxis treatment of malaria in pregnancy with Sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine and co-trimoxazole is efficacious for prevention of malaria in pregnancy HIV negative and positive women, respectively. However, uptake of the recommended doses of therapies has remained suboptimal in Uganda, majorly due to inadequate knowledge among pregnant women. Therefore, this study aimed to explore attitudes and perceptions towards developing an educational video for malaria preventive therapy. METHODS: We conducted an exploratory study with qualitative methods among pregnant women attending antenatal care at Kisenyi Health Center IV (KHCIV), health workers from KHCIV, and officials from the Ministry of Health. The study was conducted at KHCIV from October 2022 to March 2023. Focus group discussions (FGD) were conducted among purposively selected pregnant women and key informant interviews (KII) among health workers and Ministry of Health officials. Data were analyzed using inductive and deductive thematic methods in atlas ti.8. RESULTS: A total of five FGDs comprising of 7-10 pregnant women were conducted; and KIIs were conducted among four mid-wives, two obstetricians, and two Ministry of Health officials. Generally, all respondents mentioned a need for interventions to improve malaria preventive knowledge among pregnant women; were positive about developing an educative video for malaria preventive therapy in pregnancy; and suggested a short, concise, and edutaining video focusing both the benefits of taking and risks of not taking malaria preventive therapy. They proposed that women may be encouraged to view the video as soon as they conceive and throughout the pregnancy. It also was suggested that the video may be viewed on television sets in maternal and reproductive health clinics and homes, and on smart phones. CONCLUSION: Pregnant women, health workers, and Ministry of Health officials were positive about the development of a short edutaining video on malaria preventive therapy that focuses on both benefits of taking and risks of not taking the malaria preventive therapy in pregnancy. This information guided the video development and therefore, in the development of health educative videos, client and stakeholder inputs may always be solicited.

A non-randomized controlled trial to assess the protective effect of SMC in the context of high parasite resistance in Uganda.

BACKGROUND: Until recently, due to widespread prevalence of molecular markers associated with sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP) and amodiaquine (AQ) resistance in east and southern Africa, seasonal malaria chemoprevention (SMC) has not been used at scale in this region. This study assessed the protective effectiveness of monthly administration of SP + AQ (SPAQ) to children aged 3-59 months in Karamoja sub-region, Uganda, where parasite resistance is assumed to be high and malaria transmission is seasonal. METHODS: A two-arm quasi-experimental, open-label prospective non-randomized control trial (nRCT) was conducted in three districts. In two intervention districts, 85,000 children aged 3-59 months were targeted to receive monthly courses of SMC using SPAQ during the peak transmission season (May to September) 2021. A third district served as a control, where SMC was not implemented. Communities with comparable malaria attack rates were selected from the three districts, and households with at least one SMC-eligible child were purposively selected. A total cohort of 600 children (200 children per district) were selected and followed using passive surveillance for breakthrough confirmed malaria episodes during the five-month peak transmission season. Malaria incidence rate per person-months and number of malaria episodes among children in the two arms were compared. Kaplan-Meier failure estimates were used to compare the probability of a positive malaria test. Other factors that may influence malaria transmission and infection among children in the two arms were also assessed using multivariable cox proportional hazards regression model. RESULTS: The malaria incidence rate was 3.0 and 38.8 per 100 person-months in the intervention and control groups, respectively. In the intervention areas 90.0% (361/400) of children did not experience any malaria episodes during the study period, compared to 15% (29/200) in the control area. The incidence rate ratio was 0.078 (95% CI 0.063-0.096), which corresponds to a protective effectiveness of 92% (95% CI 90.0-94.0) among children in the intervention area. CONCLUSION: SMC using SPAQ provided high protective effect against malaria during the peak transmission season in children aged 3-59 months in the Karamoja sub-region of Uganda.

A hybrid effectiveness-implementation study protocol to assess the effectiveness and chemoprevention efficacy of implementing seasonal malaria chemoprevention in five districts in Karamoja region, Uganda.

Background: The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends seasonal malaria chemoprevention (SMC) with sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine and amodiaquine (SPAQ) for children aged 3 to 59 months, living in areas where malaria transmission is highly seasonal. However, due to widespread prevalence of resistance markers, SMC has not been implemented at scale in East and Southern Africa. An initial study in Uganda showed that SMC with SPAQ was feasible, acceptable, and protective against malaria in eligible children in Karamoja region. Nonetheless, exploration of alternative regimens is warranted since parasite resistance threats persist. Objective: The study aims to test the effectiveness of SMC with Dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine (DP) or SPAQ (DP-SMC & SPAQ-SMC), chemoprevention efficacy as well as the safety and tolerability of DP compared to that of SPAQ among 3-59 months old children in Karamoja region, an area of Uganda where malaria transmission is highly seasonal. Methods: A Type II hybrid effectiveness-implementation study design consisting of four components: 1) a cluster randomized controlled trial (cRCT) using passive surveillance to establish confirmed malaria cases in children using both SPAQ and DP; 2a) a prospective cohort study to determine the chemoprevention efficacy of SPAQ and DP (if SPAQ or DP clears sub-patent infection and provides 28 days of protection from new infection) and whether drug concentrations and/or resistance influence the ability to clear and prevent infection; 2b) a sub study examining pharmacokinetics of DP in children between 3 to <6 months; 3) a resistance markers study in children 3-59 months in the research districts plus the standard intervention districts to measure changes in resistance marker prevalence over time and finally; 4) a process evaluation. Discussion: This study evaluates the effects of SPAQ-SMC versus DP-SMC on clinical malaria in vulnerable children in the context of high parasite SP resistance, whilst informing on the best implementation strategies. Conclusion: This study will inform malaria policy in high-burden countries, specifically on utility of SMC outside the sahel, and contribute to progress in malaria control.

Understanding the process of strengthening multi-sectoral efforts for anemia reduction: Qualitative findings from Sierra Leone and Uganda.

Anemia is a significant global health problem, and progress to reduce it has been slow. A multi-sectoral, context-specific, and country-led approach is recommended to effectively address anemia, but there is limited documentation of how this has worked in practice. We present key findings and lessons learned from Sierra Leone and Uganda's experiences establishing national-level anemia coordination platforms. A longitudinal collective case study methodology was used, with in-depth interviews of National Anemia Working Group members in both countries; data was analyzed to distill the salient lessons learned across countries. Similar factors were identified in the 2 countries. Setting the agenda was an important first step, accomplished by using country-specific anemia-related data and obtaining multi-sectoral commitment. Establishment of a cohesive coordination structure provided an effective platform to prioritize and align anemia activities. Strong, committed leadership and representation of diverse stakeholders was essential to maintain the legitimacy of anemia efforts. The main barriers to the policy-making process included misalignment of sectoral mandates, differences in work cultures, as well as competing priorities and increased staff workload. Sierra Leone and Uganda's experiences contribute to the global evidence base for anemia coordination and planning at the national level, particularly around linking health and non-health sectors and developing multi-sectoral platforms. It remains to be seen how and to what extent resulting policies in Sierra Leone and Uganda will translate to implementation.

Programme level implementation of malaria rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) use: outcomes and cost of training health workers at lower level health care facilities in Uganda.

BACKGROUND: The training of health workers in the use of malaria rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) is an important component of a wider strategy to improve parasite-based malaria diagnosis at lower level health care facilities (LLHFs) where microscopy is not readily available for all patients with suspected malaria. This study describes the process and cost of training to attain competence of lower level health workers to perform malaria RDTs in a public health system setting in eastern Uganda. METHODS: Health workers from 21 health facilities in Uganda were given a one-day central training on the use of RDTs in malaria case management, including practical skills on how to perform read and interpret the test results. Successful trainees subsequently integrated the use of RDTs into their routine care for febrile patients at their LLHFs and transferred their acquired skills to colleagues (cascade training model). A cross-sectional evaluation of the health workers' competence in performing RDTs was conducted six weeks following the training, incorporating observation, in-depth interviews with health workers and the review of health facility records relating to tests offered and antimalarial drug (AMD) prescriptions pre and post training. The direct costs relating to the training processes were also documented. RESULTS: Overall, 135 health workers were trained including 63 (47%) nursing assistants, a group of care providers without formal medical training. All trainees passed the post-training concordance test with ≥ 80% except 12 that required re-training. Six weeks after the one-day training, 51/64 (80%) of the health workers accurately performed the critical steps in performing the RDT. The performance was similar among the 10 (16%) participants who were peer-trained by their trained colleagues. Only 9 (14%) did not draw the appropriate amount of blood using pipette. The average cost of the one-day training was US$ 101 (range $92-$112), with the main cost drivers being trainee travel and per-diems. Health workers offered RDTs to 76% of febrile patients and AMD prescriptions reduced by 37% six weeks post-training. CONCLUSION: One-day training on the use of RDTs successfully provided adequate skill and competency among health workers to perform RDTs in fever case management at LLHF in a Uganda setting. The cost averaged at US$101 per health worker trained, with the main cost drivers being trainee travel and per diems. Given the good peer training noted in this study, there is need to explore the cost-effectiveness of a cascade training model for large scale implementation of RDTs.

Early experiences on the feasibility, acceptability, and use of malaria rapid diagnostic tests at peripheral health centres in Uganda-insights into some barriers and facilitators.

BACKGROUND: While feasibility of new health technologies in well-resourced healthcare settings is extensively documented, it is largely unknown in low-resourced settings. Uganda's decision to deploy and scale up malaria rapid diagnostic tests (mRDTs) in public health facilities and at the community level provides a useful entry point for documenting field experience, acceptance, and predictive variables for technology acceptance and use. These findings are important in informing implementation of new health technologies, plans, and budgets in low-resourced national disease control programmes. METHODS: A cross-sectional qualitative descriptive study at 21 health centres in Uganda was undertaken in 2007 to elucidate the barriers and facilitators in the introduction of mRDTs as a new diagnostic technology at lower-level health facilities. Pre-tested interview questionnaires were administered through pre-structured patient exit interviews and semi-structured health worker interviews to gain an understanding of the response to this implementation. A conceptual framework on technology acceptance and use was adapted for this study and used to prepare the questionnaires. Thematic analysis was used to generate themes from the data. RESULTS: A total of 52 of 57 health workers (92%) reported a belief that a positive mRDT result was true, although only 41 of 57 (64%) believed that treatment with anti-malarials was justified for every positive mRDT case. Of the same health workers, only 49% believed that a negative mRDT result was truly negative. Factors linked to these findings were related to mRDT acceptance and use, including the design and characteristics of the device, availability and quality of mRDT ancillary supplies, health worker capacity to investigate febrile cases testing negative with the device and provide appropriate treatment, availability of effective malaria treatments, reliability of the health commodity supply chain, existing national policy recommendations, individual health worker dynamism, and vitality of supervision. CONCLUSIONS: mRDTs were found to be acceptable to and used by the target users, provided clear policy guidelines exist, ancillary tools are easy to use and health supplies beyond the diagnostic tools are met. Based on our results, health workers' needs for comprehensive case management should be met, and specific guidance for managing febrile patients with negative test outcomes should be provided alongside the new health technology. The extent, to which the implementation process of mRDT-led, parasite-based diagnosis accommodates end user beliefs, attitudes, perceptions, and satisfaction, as well as technology learnability and suitability, influences the level of acceptance and use of mRDTs. The effectiveness of the health system in providing the enabling environment and the integration of the diagnostic tool into routine service delivery is critical.

Use of RDTs to improve malaria diagnosis and fever case management at primary health care facilities in Uganda.

BACKGROUND: Early and accurate diagnosis of malaria followed by prompt treatment reduces the risk of severe disease in malaria endemic regions. Presumptive treatment of malaria is widely practised where microscopy or rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) are not readily available. With the introduction of artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) for treatment of malaria in many low-resource settings, there is need to target treatment to patients with parasitologically confirmed malaria in order to improve quality of care, reduce over consumption of anti-malarials, reduce drug pressure and in turn delay development and spread of drug resistance. This study evaluated the effect of malaria RDTs on health workers' anti-malarial drug (AMD) prescriptions among outpatients at low level health care facilities (LLHCF) within different malaria epidemiological settings in Uganda. METHODS: All health workers (HWs) in 21 selected intervention (where RDTs were deployed) LLHF were invited for training on the use RDTs. All HWs were trained to use RDTs for parasitological diagnosis of all suspected malaria cases irrespective of age. Five LLHCFs with clinical diagnosis (CD only) were included for comparison. Subsequently AMD prescriptions were compared using both a 'pre-post' and 'intervention-control' analysis designs. In-depth interviews of the HWs were conducted to explore any factors that influence AMD prescription practices. RESULTS: A total of 166,131 out-patient attendances (OPD) were evaluated at 21 intervention LLHCFs. Overall use of RDTs resulted in a 38% point reduction in AMD prescriptions. There was a two-fold reduction (RR 0.62, 95% CI 0.55-0.70) in AMD prescription with the greatest reduction in the hypo-endemic setting (RR 0.46 95% CI 0.51-0.53) but no significant change in the urban setting (RR1.01, p-value=0.820). Over 90% of all eligible OPD patients were offered a test. An average of 30% (range 25%-35%) of the RDT-negative fever patients received AMD prescriptions. When the test result was negative, children under five years of age were two to three times more likely (OR 2.6 p-value<0.001) to receive anti-malarial prescriptions relative to older age group. Of the 63 HWs interviewed 92% believed that a positive RDT result confirmed malaria, while only 49% believed that a negative RDT result excluded malaria infection. CONCLUSION: Use of RDTs resulted in a 2-fold reduction in anti-malarial drug prescription at LLHCFs. The study demonstrated that RDT use is feasible at LLHCFs, and can lead to better targetting of malaria treatment. Nationwide deployment of RDTs in a systematic manner should be prioritised in order to improve fever case management. The process should include plans to educate HWs about the utility of RDTs in order to maximize acceptance and uptake of the diagnostic tools and thereby leading to the benefits of parasitological diagnosis of malaria.