TY - JOUR
T1 - Understanding perceptions of malaria control measures in Burundi: a qualitative descriptive study using a socio-ecological approach
AU - Niyonsaba, Thacien
AU - Ndayisaba, Richard
AU - Dumont, Cassandre
AU - Muhoza, Chanelle
AU - Lampaert, Emmanuel
AU - Alfred, Amissi Djuma
AU - Pellecchia, Umberto
AU - Uwimana, Festus
AU - Bucumi, Aristide
AU - Irabaheta, Nadine
AU - Marisasi, Donavine
AU - Bigirimana, Ida
AU - Ndayiragije, Siméon
AU - Rwimo, Aladin
AU - Nishemezwe, Dalila
AU - Nimubona, Divine
AU - Niyomwungere, Léonard
AU - Ndihokubwayo, Ferdinand
AU - Iradukunda, Olive
AU - Irambona, Eric
AU - Nicobaharaye, Claver
AU - Sindayikengera, Jérémie
AU - Van Bortel, Wim
AU - Colombe, Soledad
AU - Meudec, Marie
N1 - FTX: CC BY NC ND
© 2025. The Author(s).
PY - 2025/12/10
Y1 - 2025/12/10
N2 - BACKGROUND: In Burundi, malaria remains the leading cause of morbidity and mortality and persists as a major public health problem despite control strategies implemented nationally since 2000. While some quantitative studies have evaluated specific interventions, qualitative research examining the perceptions and practices of target populations regarding prevention measures is lacking. Such research is particularly important in the current context, where multiple control strategies are simultaneously implemented, potentially leading to confusion or reluctance among the population to adhere to prevention measures.METHODS: A qualitative descriptive study was conducted from March to May 2023 in the health districts of Kinyinya and Ryansoro, combining 60 individual interviews and 28 focus group discussions (FGDs). The sample consisted primarily of farmers, with a slight female predominance (53% for individual interviews, 57.5% for FGDs). The collected data underwent thematic content analysis using a socio-ecological approach.RESULTS: The study explored participants' perceptions and practices regarding four major interventions: distribution of long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs), indoor residual spraying (IRS), intermittent preventive treatment during pregnancy (IPTp-SP), and environmental management. The study identified factors influencing malaria prevention behaviours across three main interconnected levels: intrapersonal (perceived needs and adverse effects), organizational (information dissemination and hygiene conditions at healthcare facilities), and policy/environmental (need for context-sensitive adaptation of interventions and addressing socio-economic constraints).CONCLUSION: Effective malaria prevention in Burundi requires a multifaceted approach addressing communication needs, contextual adaptation, management of adverse effects, understanding of local priorities, and socio-economic constraints. Integrating these five dimensions into programme design and adapting prevention messages accordingly would significantly improve both acceptance and effectiveness of malaria control interventions.
AB - BACKGROUND: In Burundi, malaria remains the leading cause of morbidity and mortality and persists as a major public health problem despite control strategies implemented nationally since 2000. While some quantitative studies have evaluated specific interventions, qualitative research examining the perceptions and practices of target populations regarding prevention measures is lacking. Such research is particularly important in the current context, where multiple control strategies are simultaneously implemented, potentially leading to confusion or reluctance among the population to adhere to prevention measures.METHODS: A qualitative descriptive study was conducted from March to May 2023 in the health districts of Kinyinya and Ryansoro, combining 60 individual interviews and 28 focus group discussions (FGDs). The sample consisted primarily of farmers, with a slight female predominance (53% for individual interviews, 57.5% for FGDs). The collected data underwent thematic content analysis using a socio-ecological approach.RESULTS: The study explored participants' perceptions and practices regarding four major interventions: distribution of long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs), indoor residual spraying (IRS), intermittent preventive treatment during pregnancy (IPTp-SP), and environmental management. The study identified factors influencing malaria prevention behaviours across three main interconnected levels: intrapersonal (perceived needs and adverse effects), organizational (information dissemination and hygiene conditions at healthcare facilities), and policy/environmental (need for context-sensitive adaptation of interventions and addressing socio-economic constraints).CONCLUSION: Effective malaria prevention in Burundi requires a multifaceted approach addressing communication needs, contextual adaptation, management of adverse effects, understanding of local priorities, and socio-economic constraints. Integrating these five dimensions into programme design and adapting prevention messages accordingly would significantly improve both acceptance and effectiveness of malaria control interventions.
UR - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41372922/
UR - https://www.webofscience.com/wos/woscc/full-record/WOS:001660625400001
U2 - 10.1186/s12936-025-05711-0
DO - 10.1186/s12936-025-05711-0
M3 - A1: Peer-reviewed journal articles
C2 - 41372922
SN - 1475-2875
VL - 25
JO - Malaria Journal
JF - Malaria Journal
M1 - 31
ER -