Mind the gap: scaling up the utilization of insecticide treated mosquito nets using a knowledge translation model in Isingiro district, rural south western Uganda

Ivan Mugisha Taremwa; Scholastic Ashaba; Carlrona Ayebazibwe; Imelda Kemeza; Harriet Ochokoru Adrama; Daniel Omoding; Jane Yatuha; Robert Hilliard

doi:10.1080/21642850.2020.1814782

Mind the gap: scaling up the utilization of insecticide treated mosquito nets using a knowledge translation model in Isingiro district, rural south western Uganda

Health Psychol Behav Med. 2020 Sep 1;8(1):383-397. doi: 10.1080/21642850.2020.1814782.

Authors

Ivan Mugisha Taremwa¹, Scholastic Ashaba², Carlrona Ayebazibwe³, Imelda Kemeza⁴, Harriet Ochokoru Adrama⁵, Daniel Omoding⁵, Jane Yatuha⁶, Robert Hilliard⁷

Affiliations

¹ Institute of Allied Health Sciences, Clarke International University, Kampala, Uganda.
² Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda.
³ Department of Information Technology, Uganda Christian University, Mukono, Uganda.
⁴ Department of Educational Foundations and Psychology, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda.
⁵ Infectious Disease Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda.
⁶ Department of Biology, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda.
⁷ Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.

Abstract

Background: The phenomenon of Knowledge Translation (KT) is a key intervention towards bridging the 'know-do' gap. We conducted a KT initiative in Isingiro district to positively change attitude and improve on the uptake of Insecticide Treated Mosquito Nets (ITNs) as a malaria prevention strategy. Methods: This was a community based interactive initiative that was carried out within the seventeen administrative units of Isingiro district using varied dissemination activities, namely: health talks; drama activities, and the sharing of ITNs success stories. Results: We reached out to 34 dissemination groups, comprising communal gathering, religious crusades, open markets, secondary schools, and district administration. In addition, we spot-visited 46 households to ascertain the physical presence of ITNs, and their appropriate use. The major intervention was improved knowledge base of malaria causation and prevention strategies. The indicators for improved knowledge were hinged on the five-interventions, namely: (a) communal sensitization on malaria to provide, (b) monitoring and support of selected households, (c) emphasis of ITN use as a malaria prevention strategy, (d) promotion of care for ITNs, and (e) promotion of ITN use. In all, the major output was improved knowledge base of malaria causation and prevention strategies by providing accurate information to redress the myths and misconceptions related to malaria and ITNs use. Conclusion: This undertaking describes a consolidated community intervention to promote ITN utilization. It is plausible that this intervention positively enhances and promotes uptake and utilization of ITNs.

Keywords: Knowledge translation; Uganda; insecticide treated mosquito nets.

Grants and funding

This work was funded by Micro Research (www.microresearch.ca), Knowledge Translation grant number: MR 18F_MUS_01. The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, or decision to publish.