Malaria test preference and associated factors among health workers in public health facilities in Kampala district

Abstract

Introduction: RDTs a point of care diagnostics that play a significant role in malaria management. They are rapid, accurate and do not require specialized training. RDT use has been rolled out in all public health facilities in Uganda. The decision on the diagnostic tests used in a health facility is made by the institutional structures but consideration of health workers’ malaria test preference would be ideal in order to maximize the use of resources. This study was therefore set out to determine the health workers’ malaria test preference in public health facilities in Kampala district, and associated factors. Materials and methods: This was cross sectional study among health workers working in public health facilities in Kampala district. It utilized primary data obtained from the administration of a structured questionnaire and key informant interviews. It was carried out among health workers in public health facilities in Kampala district. A total of 331 health workers were randomly selected for participation in the study. For the quantitative component of the study, questionnaires were administered to 331 health workers. A total of 8 key informant interviews were carried out for the qualitative component. Quantitative data was entered into Epi-data software and analyzed using STATA 14. Qualitative data was thematically analyzed. Results: About 70.7% of the health workers preferred RDTs while 29.3% preferred microscopy. Female Health workers were more likely to prefer using RDT over microscopy compared to their male counterparts (PR 1.12, Cl 1.00-1.26). The malaria test preference of Health workers was largely driven by the test availability. The Health workers in health facilities that predominantly use microscopy for malaria testing were less likely to prefer RDT over Microscopy (PR 0.33, Cl 0.12-0.89). In facilities were both tests were available, Health workers preferred to use Microscopy over RDT (PR 0.35, Cl 0.13-0.94). Conclusion: Malaria RDTs were the most preferred malaria diagnostic test. More females preferred RDT over Microscopy. Health workers tended to use the test that was available hence test availability influenced Malaria Test Preference.