A model to facilitate socio-cultural congruent Malaria care: The training of health extension workers in Ohagwena region, Namibia
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Date
2019
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Publisher
University of Namibia
Abstract
The purpose of this study is to explore and describe the socio-cultural factors that influence Malaria prevention and control, conceptualise the study findings by developing the socio- culturally congruent training model, describe and evaluate it in order to assist trainers to incorporate social and cultural information during their theoretical and practical training of HEWs, to improve their competency. The study is descriptive and exploratory in nature, used convergent parallel design in which both quantitative and qualitative carried equal weight and data are collected at the same time from inception to completion of the study. Approximately 220,683 individuals were impacted by this study . Findings were generated from survey using only one questionnaire which was administered to 402 participants, 8 focus group discussions, and 20 in-depth individual interviews, supported by observations from 20 households and respondents who were 18 years or older. Data obtained from the structured questionnaire and checklist were analysed using the statistical package for social sciences (SPSS), and descriptive statistical analysis was applied to summarize quantitative data into easily identifiable relationships and data interpretation. Qualitative data from interviews were analysed with ATLAS. ti software. Thematic analysis was applied using a coding operation aimed at shortening the diversity of memos, quotation groups, and links into fewer content categories. The result of the study indicated that traditional and cultural methods of Malaria prevention is widely available but not applied. Mosquito nets generally available but not used due to the following reasons: 68.7 percent of the respondents felt that nets were expensive, 12.70% indicated not comfortable with using net just to mention a few. The results also revealed important among the other findings that participants perceived traditional and cultural methods of Malaria prevention is widely available but not applied, tumble weed is widely referenced as a herb for Malaria prevention, participants perceived low economic status influence negatively prevention of malaria and access to care, and nets generally available but not affordable and used. The outcome of the study is a Model developed and its operationalization guidelines were established. It is recommended to start training of trainers to facilitate empowerment of Health Extension Workers through collaboration and consultation with relevant authorities to enact integrated curriculum for inclusion of socio-cultural congruent prevention strategy and make it available to donors/NGOs.
In addition, the government and funded donor organization to ensure balance in sustain of indigenous knowledge in limited resource setting. Advocate for research collaboration on local traditional practices with social science and western modern care practices by identify local resource used in Malaria prevention.
Description
A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Public Health
Keywords
Malaria care