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Malaria Journal
Published in: Malaria Journal 1/2016

Open Access 01-12-2016 | Research

Acceptability of malaria rapid diagnostic tests administered by village health workers in Pangani District, North eastern Tanzania

Authors: Adiel K. Mushi, Julius J. Massaga, Celine I. Mandara, Godfrey M. Mubyazi, Filbert Francis, Mathias Kamugisha, Jenesta Urassa, Martha Lemnge, Fidelis Mgohamwende, Sigbert Mkude, Joanna Armstrong Schellenberg

Published in: Malaria Journal | Issue 1/2016

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Abstract

Background

Malaria continues to top the list of the ten most threatening diseases to child survival in Tanzania. The country has a functional policy for appropriate case management of malaria with rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) from hospital level all the way to dispensaries, which are the first points of healthcare services in the national referral system. However, access to these health services in Tanzania is limited, especially in rural areas. Formalization of trained village health workers (VHWs) can strengthen and extend the scope of public health services, including diagnosis and management of uncomplicated malaria in resource-constrained settings. Despite long experience with VHWs in various health interventions, Tanzania has not yet formalized its involvement in malaria case management. This study presents evidence on acceptability of RDTs used by VHWs in rural northeastern Tanzania.

Methods

A cross-sectional study using quantitative and qualitative approaches was conducted between March and May 2012 in Pangani district, northeastern Tanzania, on community perceptions, practices and acceptance of RDTs used by VHWs.

Results

Among 346 caregivers of children under 5 years old, no evidence was found of differences in awareness of HIV rapid diagnostic tests and RDTs (54 vs. 46 %, p = 0.134). Of all respondents, 92 % expressed trust in RDT results, 96 % reported readiness to accept RDTs by VHWs, while 92 % expressed willingness to contribute towards the cost of RDTs used by VHWs. Qualitative results matched positive perceptions, attitudes and acceptance of mothers towards the use of RDTs by VHWs reported in the household surveys. Appropriate training, reliable supplies, affordability and close supervision emerged as important recommendations for implementation of RDTs by VHWs.

Conclusion

RDTs implemented by VHWs are acceptable to rural communities in northeastern Tanzania. While families are willing to contribute towards costs of sustaining these services, policy decisions for scaling-up will need to consider the available and innovative lessons for successful universally accessible and acceptable services in keeping with national health policy and sustainable development goals.
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Metadata
Title
Acceptability of malaria rapid diagnostic tests administered by village health workers in Pangani District, North eastern Tanzania
Authors
Adiel K. Mushi
Julius J. Massaga
Celine I. Mandara
Godfrey M. Mubyazi
Filbert Francis
Mathias Kamugisha
Jenesta Urassa
Martha Lemnge
Fidelis Mgohamwende
Sigbert Mkude
Joanna Armstrong Schellenberg
Publication date
01-12-2016
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
Malaria Journal / Issue 1/2016
Electronic ISSN: 1475-2875
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12936-016-1495-z

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