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Publication Details
AFRICAN RESEARCH NEXUS
SHINING A SPOTLIGHT ON AFRICAN RESEARCH
Community perceptions of malaria and vaccines in the South Coast and Busia regions of Kenya
Malaria Journal, Volume 10, Article 147, Year 2011
Notification
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Description
Background: Malaria is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in children younger than 5 years in Kenya. Within the context of planning for a vaccine to be used alongside existing malaria control methods, this study explores sociocultural and health communications issues among individuals who are responsible for or influence decisions on childhood vaccination at the community level. Methods: This qualitative study was conducted in two malaria-endemic regions of Kenya - South Coast and Busia. Participant selection was purposive and criterion based. A total of 20 focus group discussions, 22 in-depth interviews, and 18 exit interviews were conducted. Results: Participants understand that malaria is a serious problem that no single tool can defeat. Communities would welcome a malaria vaccine, although they would have questions and concerns about the intervention. While support for local child immunization programs exists, limited understanding about vaccines and what they do is evident among younger and older people, particularly men. Even as health care providers are frustrated when parents do not have their children vaccinated, some parents have concerns about access to and the quality of vaccination services. Some women, including older mothers and those less economically privileged, see themselves as the focus of health workers' negative comments associated with either their parenting choices or their children's appearance. In general, parents and caregivers weigh several factors - such as personal opportunity costs, resource constraints, and perceived benefits - when deciding whether or not to have their children vaccinated, and the decision often is influenced by a network of people, including community leaders and health workers. Conclusions: The study raises issues that should inform a communications strategy and guide policy decisions within Kenya on eventual malaria vaccine introduction. Unlike the current practice, where health education on child welfare and immunization focuses on women, the communications strategy should equally target men and women in ways that are appropriate for each gender. It should involve influential community members and provide needed information and reassurances about immunization. Efforts also should be made to address concerns about the quality of immunization services - including health workers' interpersonal communication skills. © 2011 Ojakaa et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.
Authors & Co-Authors
Ojakaa, David I.
Kenya, Nairobi
Amref Health Africa
Ofware, Peter Obonyo
Kenya, Nairobi
Amref Health Africa
Machira, Yvonne Wangui
Kenya, Nairobi
Amref Health Africa
Yamo, Emmanuel O.
Kenya, Nairobi
Amref Health Africa
Collymore, Yvette
United States, Washington
Path Malaria Vaccine Initiative
Ba-Nguz, Antoinette Eleonore
Kenya, Nairobi
Acs
Vansadia, Preeti
Kenya, Nairobi
Acs
Bingham, Allison
United States, Seattle
Path Seattle
Statistics
Citations: 51
Authors: 8
Affiliations: 4
Identifiers
Doi:
10.1186/1475-2875-10-147
e-ISSN:
14752875
Research Areas
Health System And Policy
Infectious Diseases
Maternal And Child Health
Study Design
Randomised Control Trial
Study Approach
Qualitative
Study Locations
Kenya
Participants Gender
Male
Female