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What affects utilization of malaria control services? A qualitative approach to understanding community perception in highly malarious Gadchiroli district, Maharashtra, India

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  27 December 2018

Kalyan B. Saha ,
Priyamadhaba Behera ,
Hrishikesh Munshi ,
Bal K. Tiwari ,
Shiv K. Singh ,
Uma C. Saha  and
Mrigendra P. Singh
Kalyan B. Saha*
Affiliation:
ICMR-National Institute for Research in Tribal Health, Jabalpur, India
Priyamadhaba Behera
Affiliation:
All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Bhubneswar, Odisha, India
Hrishikesh Munshi
Affiliation:
Society for Education, Action and Research in Community Health, Gadchiroli, India
Bal K. Tiwari
Affiliation:
ICMR-National Institute for Research in Tribal Health, Jabalpur, India
Shiv K. Singh
Affiliation:
ICMR-National Institute for Research in Tribal Health, Jabalpur, India
Uma C. Saha
Affiliation:
Xavier Institute of Development Action and Studies, Mandla Road, Jabalpur, India
Mrigendra P. Singh
Affiliation:
ICMR-National Institute of Malaria Research Field Station, Jabalpur, India
*
*Corresponding author. Email: kalyansaha_icmr@yahoo.com
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Abstract

National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme (NVBDCP) data have shown that nearly half of all malaria deaths in India occur in tribal-dominated areas. The present study took a qualitative approach to understanding community perceptions and practices related to malarial infection and anti-malarial programmes. Twelve focus group discussions and 26 in-depth interviews of Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) were conducted in nine villages in the district of Gadchiroli, Maharashtra state in India in June 2016. A total of 161 village residents (94 males and 67 females) participated in the focus group discussions and 26 health workers participated in the in-depth interviews. Data were analysed using the content analysis approach. The findings revealed widespread misconceptions about malaria among village residents, and low use of preventive measures and anti-malarial services. Ignorance and treatment by unqualified traditional healers delay effective treatment seeking. Furthermore, failure to maintain drug compliance adds to the gravity of the problem. The study identified the social and behavioural factors affecting treatment uptake and use of treatment facilities in the study area. These should help the development of the behavioural change communication arm of any control strategy for malaria through improving community participation, so improving preventive practices and optimizing utilization of anti-malarial services.

Keywords

FGDIn-depth Personal InterviewMalaria
Type
Research Article
Information
Journal of Biosocial Science , Volume 51 , Issue 4 , July 2019 , pp. 591 - 602
Copyright
© Cambridge University Press, 2018 

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