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Jongdeepaisal M, Khonputsa P, Prasert O, Maneenet S, Pongsoipetch K, Jatapai A, Rotejanaprasert C, Sudathip P, Maude RJ, Pell C. Forest malaria and prospects for anti-malarial chemoprophylaxis among forest goers: findings from a qualitative study in Thailand. Malar J 2022; 21:47. [PMID: 35164759 PMCID: PMC8845363 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-022-04070-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 01/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Across the Greater Mekong Subregion, malaria remains a dangerous infectious disease, particularly for people who visit forested areas where residual transmission continues. Because vector control measures offer incomplete protection to forest goers, chemoprophylaxis has been suggested as a potential supplementary measure for malaria prevention and control. To implement prophylaxis effectively, additional information is needed to understand forest goers' activities and their willingness to use malaria prevention measures, including prophylaxis, and how it could be delivered in communities. Drawing on in-depth interviews with forest goers and stakeholders, this article examines the potential acceptability and implementation challenges of malaria prophylaxis for forest goers in northeast Thailand. METHODS In-depth interviews were conducted with forest goers (n = 11) and stakeholders (n = 16) including healthcare workers, community leaders, and policymakers. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed and coded using NVivo, employing an inductive and deductive approach, for thematic analysis. RESULTS Forest goers were well aware of their (elevated) malaria risk and reported seeking care for malaria from local health care providers. Forest goers and community members have a close relationship with the forest but are not a homogenous group: their place and time-at-risk varied according to their activities and length of stay in the forest. Among stakeholders, the choice and cost of anti-malarial prophylactic regimen-its efficacy, length and complexity, number of tablets, potential side effects, and long-term impact on users-were key considerations for its feasibility. They also expressed concern about adherence to the preventive therapy and potential difficulty treating malaria patients with the same regimen. Prophylaxis was considered a low priority in areas with perceived accessible health system and approaching malaria elimination. CONCLUSIONS In the context of multi-drug resistance, there are several considerations for implementing malaria prophylaxis: the need to target forest goers who are at-risk with a clear period of exposure, to ensure continued use of vector control measures and adherence to prophylactic anti-malarials, and to adopt an evidence-based approach to determine an appropriate regimen. Beyond addressing current intervention challenges and managing malaria incidence in low-transmission setting, it is crucial to keep malaria services available and accessible at the village level especially in areas home to highly mobile populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monnaphat Jongdeepaisal
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Panarasri Khonputsa
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Orathai Prasert
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Suphitsara Maneenet
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Kulchada Pongsoipetch
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Anchalee Jatapai
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Chawarat Rotejanaprasert
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Department of Tropical Hygiene, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Prayuth Sudathip
- Division of Vector Borne Diseases, Department of Disease Control, Ministry of Public Health, Nonthaburi, Thailand
| | - Richard J Maude
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
- Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, USA.
- The Open University, Milton Keynes, UK.
| | - Christopher Pell
- Amsterdam Institute for Global Health and Development (AIGHD), Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Global Health, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Centre for Social Science and Global Health, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Jongdeepaisal M, Inthasone S, Khonputsa P, Malaphone V, Pongsoipetch K, Pongvongsa T, Mayxay M, Chindavongsa K, Pell C, Maude RJ. Forest malaria and prospects for anti-malarial chemoprophylaxis among forest goers: findings from a qualitative study in Lao PDR. Malar J 2022; 21:8. [PMID: 34983549 PMCID: PMC8727080 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-021-04027-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Despite significant decline in malarial incidence and mortality in countries across the Greater Mekong Subregion, the disease remains a public health challenge in the region; transmission continues mainly among people who visit forests in remote areas, often along international borders, where access to primary healthcare is limited. In the absence of effective vector-control measures and limited exposure periods, malaria chemoprophylaxis has been proposed as a strategy to protect forest goers. As a rarely used approach for indigenous populations, questions remain about its feasibility and acceptability. Drawing on in-depth interviews with forest goers and stakeholders, this article examines opportunities and challenges for implementation of anti-malarial chemoprophylaxis for forest goers in Lao PDR. Methods In-depth interviews were conducted with 16 forest goers and 15 stakeholders in Savannakhet province, Lao PDR. Interview topics included experience of malaria prevention and health services, and perceptions of prophylaxis as a potential component of malaria elimination strategy. The interviews were transcribed and coded using inductive and deductive approaches for qualitative thematic analysis. Results In ethnically and geographically diverse villages, awareness of malaria risk prompts forest goers to protect themselves, albeit sub-optimally using available preventive measures. Stakeholders highlighted challenges for targeting at-risk populations and approaches to address forest malaria in southern Lao PDR. Among policymakers, choice and cost of anti-malarials, particularly their efficacy and source of funding, were key considerations for the feasibility of malaria prophylaxis. Acceptability of prophylaxis among forest goers was also influenced by the complexity of the regimen, including the number of tablets and timing of doses. Implementation of prophylaxis may be affected by a lack of transportation and communication barriers in remote communities. Conclusion Adding prophylaxis to existing malaria control activities requires strengthening the capacity of local health workers in Lao PDR. Ideally, this would be part of an integrated approach that includes strategies to address the other febrile illnesses that forest goers describe as priority health concerns. The prophylactic regimen also requires careful consideration in terms of effectiveness and simplicity of dosing. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12936-021-04027-z.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monnaphat Jongdeepaisal
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.,Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Soulixay Inthasone
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Panarasri Khonputsa
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Vilayvone Malaphone
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Kulchada Pongsoipetch
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | | | - Mayfong Mayxay
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.,Lao-Oxford-Mahosot Hospital-Wellcome Trust Research Unit (LOMWRU), Mahosot Hospital, Ministry of Health, Vientiane, Lao PDR.,Institute of Research and Education Development (IRED), University of Health Sciences, Ministry of Health, Vientiane, Lao PDR
| | | | - Christopher Pell
- Amsterdam Institute for Global Health and Development (AIGHD), Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Global Health, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Centre for Social Science and Global Health, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Richard J Maude
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand. .,Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK. .,Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, USA. .,The Open University, Milton Keynes, UK.
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Jongdeepaisal M, Ean M, Heng C, Buntau T, Tripura R, Callery JJ, Peto TJ, Conradis-Jansen F, von Seidlein L, Khonputsa P, Pongsoipetch K, Soviet U, Sovannaroth S, Pell C, Maude RJ. Acceptability and feasibility of malaria prophylaxis for forest goers: findings from a qualitative study in Cambodia. Malar J 2021; 20:446. [PMID: 34823527 PMCID: PMC8613728 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-021-03983-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2021] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the Greater Mekong Subregion, adults are at highest risk for malaria, particularly those who visit forests. The absence of effective vector control strategies and limited periods of exposure during forest visits suggest that chemoprophylaxis could be an appropriate strategy to protect forest goers against malaria. METHODS Alongside a clinical trial of anti-malarial chemoprophylaxis in northern Cambodia, qualitative research was conducted, including in-depth interviews and observation, to explore the acceptability of malaria prophylaxis for forest goers, the implementation opportunities, and challenges of this strategy. RESULTS Prophylaxis with artemether-lumefantrine for forest goers was found to be acceptable under trial conditions. Three factors played a major role: the community's awareness and perception of the effectiveness of prophylaxis, their trust in the provider, and malaria as a local health concern. The findings highlight how uptake and adherence to prophylaxis are influenced by the perceived balance between benefits and burden of anti-malarials which are modulated by the seasonality of forest visits and its influence on malaria risk. CONCLUSIONS The implementation of anti-malarial prophylaxis needs to consider how the preventive medication can be incorporated into existing vector-control measures, malaria testing and treatment services. The next step in the roll out of anti-malarial prophylaxis for forest visitors will require support from local health workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monnaphat Jongdeepaisal
- grid.501272.30000 0004 5936 4917Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand ,grid.4991.50000 0004 1936 8948Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Mom Ean
- grid.501272.30000 0004 5936 4917Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Chhoeun Heng
- grid.501272.30000 0004 5936 4917Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Thoek Buntau
- grid.501272.30000 0004 5936 4917Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Rupam Tripura
- grid.501272.30000 0004 5936 4917Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand ,grid.4991.50000 0004 1936 8948Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - James J. Callery
- grid.501272.30000 0004 5936 4917Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand ,grid.4991.50000 0004 1936 8948Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Thomas J. Peto
- grid.501272.30000 0004 5936 4917Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand ,grid.4991.50000 0004 1936 8948Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Franca Conradis-Jansen
- grid.501272.30000 0004 5936 4917Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Lorenz von Seidlein
- grid.501272.30000 0004 5936 4917Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand ,grid.4991.50000 0004 1936 8948Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Panarasri Khonputsa
- grid.501272.30000 0004 5936 4917Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Kulchada Pongsoipetch
- grid.501272.30000 0004 5936 4917Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Ung Soviet
- Provincial Health Department, Stung Treng, Stung Treng Cambodia
| | - Siv Sovannaroth
- grid.452707.3National Center for Parasitology, Entomology and Malaria Control, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
| | - Christopher Pell
- grid.450091.90000 0004 4655 0462Amsterdam Institute for Global Health and Development (AIGHD), Amsterdam, The Netherlands ,grid.509540.d0000 0004 6880 3010Department of Global Health, Amsterdam University Medical Centers - Location Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands ,grid.7177.60000000084992262Centre for Social Science and Global Health, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Richard J. Maude
- grid.501272.30000 0004 5936 4917Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand ,grid.4991.50000 0004 1936 8948Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK ,grid.38142.3c000000041936754XHarvard TH Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, USA ,grid.10837.3d0000000096069301The Open University, Milton Keynes, UK
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