Last Updated: 26/03/2015
Knowledge, attitudes and perceptions towards malaria diagnostics in Kondoa District, Tanzania. A multi-method cross-sectional pilot approach
Objectives
The study aims to analyze the health seeking behaviour of people with malaria symptoms seeking health care in public and private health facilities in Kondoa District. In particular, it will investigate in-depth the knowledge, attitudes and perceptions towards mRDTs in contrast to microscopic parasitological proof.
To receive an overall picture of the situation in Kondoa district, a rapid assessment of mRDT, microscopy and malaria medicine availability and usage rate in all health facilities was conducted, followed by expert interviews with healthcare staff involved in malaria diagnosis. Furthermore, exit interviews with patients having undergone testing for malaria were conducted. Additionally, household-based interviews with participants having tested for malaria in the last 12 months were conducted.
Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute (Swiss TPH), Switzerland
Malaria remains a priority health concern in the United Republic of Tanzania, accounting of ten thousands of deaths each year. Hence, Tanzania puts high efforts in the decrease of malaria cases, by improving the diagnostic reliability with the implementation and nationwide distribution of malaria Rapid Diagnostic Tests (mRDTs) in public health facilities.
However, key informants in Tanzania have observed that patients avoid health facilities offering mRDT diagnosis in Kondoa District, leading to an overload of patients in health facilities offering microscopic diagnosis only. Scientific literature investigating this behaviour is almost non-existent and weak. In order to further reduce the burden of malaria and offer a reliable diagnosis following adequate treatment, the acceptance of mRDTs among patients is crucial.
May 2014
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