Pilot implementation of community health advocacy teams to improve the effectiveness of long-lasting insecticide net distribution through both campaigns and continuous channels in Ghana

Introduction: In Ghana, the National Malaria Elimination Programme (NMEP) distributes long-lasting insecticide net (LLIN) to households for free through the periodic point mass distribution (PMD) campaign and continuous distribution to populations most vulnerable to malaria. It is known that the existence of effective and functional community-based groups could influence positive behaviours regarding health interventions promoted through health campaigns. However, there is no evidence of functional community-based groups that aim to improve the effectiveness of LLIN distribution campaigns by transitioning into primary healthcare delivery. This study aimed to explore the opportunities and barriers to the pilot implementation of co-created community health advocacy teams (CHATs) to improve the effectiveness of LLIN distribution through both campaigns and continuous channels in Ghana. Methods: A qualitative research approach was used among 43 CHAT members across six communities in the Eastern and Volta regions of Ghana. The CHAT constitutes significant community actors whose roles are centred on key elements of community/social mobilisation and capacity building, all nested in social and behaviour change communication (SBCC) strategies. The CHATs were pilot implemented in all study communities for 4 months after which we identified opportunities and barriers during implementation. CHAT members participated in six focus group discussions which were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analysed thematically using the NVivo 13. Results: CHATs were instrumental in sensitising community members through SBCC strategies. Moreover, there were changes in the behaviour of community members who were receptive towards and participated in CHAT activities. Community members were accurately informed about malaria (e.g., causes and preventive measures). However, the CHAT experienced barriers during implementation, including a lack of financial support to aid in transportation, organisation of meetings, and outreach activities. Additionally, the level of participation by CHAT members in activities and the medium of communication among members were key areas of concern. Conclusion: The CHATs would be instrumental in promoting LLINs' use during and after PMD campaigns through community outreaches. It is therefore necessary to provide resources to support their operations and a good network to address communication barriers. Finally, continuous capacity strengthening of CHAT members by the NMCP is important

Behavior change communication · Business · Community engagement · Environmental health · Focus group · Implementation research · Malaria · Medical education · Political science · Population · Psychological intervention · Public relations · Qualitative research · Sociology · Malaria Research and Control · Medicine · Mosquito-borne diseases and control · Nursing · Parasites and Host Interactions · Psychology · Marketing

• Implementation and effectiveness outcomes of Community Health Advocacy Teams to improve long-lasting insecticide net distribution and use in six districts in Ghana

  Open Access•Franklin N Glozah, Philip Teg-Nefaah Tabong et al.•PLOS Global Public Health•2024

  Incluir item

• Use of mass media campaigns to change health behaviour

  Open Access•Michael Wakefield, Melanie A Wakefield et al.•The Lancet•2010

  Incluir item

• Uncovering the Benefits of Participatory Research

  Open Access•Justin Jagosh, Ann C Macaulay et al.•Milbank Quarterly•2012

  Incluir item

• Community Health Workers in Low-, Middle-, and High-Income Countries

  Henry B Perry, Rose Zulliger et al.•Annual Review of Public Health•2014

  Incluir item

• Universal health coverage necessitates a system approach

  Open Access•Abraham Assan, Amirhossein Takian et al.•Globalization and Health•2018

  Incluir item

• Coverage outcomes (effects), costs, cost-effectiveness, and equity of two combinations of long-lasting insecticidal net (LLIN) distribution channels in Kenya

  Open Access•Eve Worrall, Vincent Were et al.•BMC Public Health•2020

  Incluir item

• Barriers of persistent long-lasting insecticidal nets utilization in villages around Lake Tana, Northwest Ethiopia

  Open Access•Asmamaw Malede, Mulugeta Aemero et al.•BMC Public Health•2019

  Incluir item

• Behaviour change communication targeting four health behaviours in developing countries

  Open Access•Ciara Briscoe, Frances E Aboud et al.•Social Science & Medicine•2012

  Incluir item

• The Ghana Community-based Health Planning and Services Initiative for scaling up service delivery innovation

  Open Access•Frank K Nyonator, Frank Nyonator et al.•Health Policy and Planning•2005

  Incluir item

• The Navrongo Community Health and Family Planning Project

  Fred N Binka, Fred Binka et al.•Studies in Family Planning•1995

  Incluir item

• Using thematic analysis in psychology

  Open Access•Braun, Virginia Braun et al.•Qualitative Research in Psychology•2006

  Incluir item