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Background: Studies conducted thus far showed that malaria vaccine has a promising safety profile. Within the context of planning for future vaccine trials and for the purpose of building on the previous research which have been undertaken in Sub Saharan Africa with regard to the community perception about clinical studies, this research explored community perception on secondary health benefits established by malaria vaccine trials (RTS,S Phase 2 and Phase 3) in Korogwe site – Tanzania
Objective: To explore community perception on secondary health benefits which have been established by malaria vaccine trials (RTS,S phase 2 and phase 3) in Korogwe site - Tanzania
Methods: Exploratory qualitative study design was used. Participants were recruited from Korogwe site. Sampling techniques were purposive and random. A total of 5 focus group discussions and 6 in-depth interviews were conducted. Interview guides with open ended questions were employed to collect data. Male and female parents whose infants participated and those who their infants did not participate in the trials, health workers and community leaders were interviewed. Thematic analysis frame work was used to analyze data
Results: Overall, the activities of malaria vaccine project appeared to be well known to the community. Respondents had largely positive view towards secondary health benefits which have been established by Malaria vaccine trials. The project has led to a massive investment in the health care infrastructures and improvement of health care services across the study areas, which were perceived by the community as major secondary health benefit which have been established by the project. Misconceptions among respondents especially with regard to blood samples were also observed in this study.
Conclusion: Despite of some misconceptions with regard to the conduct of malaria vaccine trials especially on the blood sampling, generally this study observed that most participants were positive about the secondary health benefits which have brought about by the malaria vaccine trails in Korogwe. The project has been able to deliver quality health care services and building health infrastructures across the study communities
Key words: RTS,S malaria vaccine, Secondary health benefits, Community perceptions |
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