The impact of COVID-19 on implementation of mass testing, treatment and tracking of malaria in rural communities in Ghana: A qualitative study.
| Title: | The impact of COVID-19 on implementation of mass testing, treatment and tracking of malaria in rural communities in Ghana: A qualitative study. |
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| Authors: | Cheng NI; Faculty of Science, Department of Biochemistry, Catholic University of Cameroon, Bamenda, Cameroon.; Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana.; Tabong PT; Department of Social and Behavioural Sciences, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana.; Netongo PM; Navajo Technical University Crownpoint, Crownpoint, New Mexico, United States of America.; Molecular Diagnostics Research Group, Biotechnology Center, University of Yaounde I, Yaounde, Cameroon.; Mensah BA; Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana.; Chu CE; Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana.; Yaw EB; Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana.; Enos JY; Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana.; Malm K; Ghana National Malaria Control Programme, Accra, Ghana.; Ahorlu CS; Faculty of Science, Department of Biochemistry, Catholic University of Cameroon, Bamenda, Cameroon. |
| Source: | PloS one [PLoS One] 2022 Oct 13; Vol. 17 (10), pp. e0275976. Date of Electronic Publication: 2022 Oct 13 (Print Publication: 2022). |
| Publication Type: | Journal Article; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't |
| Language: | English |
| Journal Info: | Publisher: Public Library of Science Country of Publication: United States NLM ID: 101285081 Publication Model: eCollection Cited Medium: Internet ISSN: 1932-6203 (Electronic) Linking ISSN: 19326203 NLM ISO Abbreviation: PLoS One Subsets: MEDLINE |
| Imprint Name(s): | Original Publication: San Francisco, CA : Public Library of Science |
| MeSH Terms: | COVID-19*/epidemiology ; Malaria*/diagnosis ; Malaria*/epidemiology ; Malaria*/prevention & control; Ghana/epidemiology ; Pandemics/prevention & control ; COVID-19 Testing ; Child ; Humans ; Rural Population |
| Abstract: | Background: Mass test, treat and track (MTTT) of malaria is ongoing in the Pakro sub district of Ghana. In the delivery of MTTT of malaria, community health volunteers are trained to routinely provide this service through a door-to-door strategy. Following the report of the first cases of COVID-19 in Ghana, we conducted this study to explore the effects of the pandemic on the implementation of the MTTT of malaria intervention.; Methods: Using qualitative methodology, we conducted ten focus groups discussions (FGDs) in eight communities: eight with community members (N = 49); one with health workers (N = 6), and one with MTTT of malaria volunteers. In addition, two in-depth interviews (IDI) were conducted, one with health worker and another with a health manager. All interviews were recorded, translated into English during transcription and analysed using QSR NVivo 12. Thematic content analysis was used in this study.; Results: The findings of the study showed an increase in the number of people reporting with complications of malaria in health facilities in the study communities during the COVID-19 period. Some participants were of the view that COVID-19 rumours and misinformation could largely be responsible for the low coverage and uptake of the MTTT of malaria intervention. To sustain the uptake of the MTTT intervention, community engagement strategies were employed to identify and respond to these rumours. Also, incentive schemes were introduced to encourage parents and children to participate in the MTTT intervention during this period of COVID-19.; Conclusion: Findings suggest that the COVID-19 pandemic has adversely affected the provision and uptake of malaria prevention and treatment services, especially the MTTT of malaria being implemented at the community level. These observations underscore the need to find innovative ways to address the challenges encountered in providing essential services during public health emergencies. |
| Competing Interests: | The authors have declared that no competing interests exist. |
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| Grant Information: | D43 TW010540 United States TW FIC NIH HHS |
| Entry Date(s): | Date Created: 20221013 Date Completed: 20221017 Latest Revision: 20260306 |
| Update Code: | 20260306 |
| PubMed Central ID: | PMC9560137 |
| DOI: | 10.1371/journal.pone.0275976 |
| PMID: | 36227933 |
| Database: | MEDLINE |
Journal Article; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't