Interactive approach to improving health literacy with focus on malaria management in Ghana.

2021.02.08 | Graduate School of Health

Friday 26 February at 15:00, Millicent Addai Boateng defends her PhD dissertation entitled "Co-creation of intervention towards caregivers' health literacy; their use of healthcare; and household costs in management of malaria in children under five years old".   

Malaria lingers on as a health problem in many places, especially, among children under 5 years. Possible reasons may include misunderstanding and misapplication of health information. A new study designed an intervention to improve health literacy of caregivers in the management of malaria in children under five years in Ghana.

The first phase identified the health literacy needs of caregivers and barriers in the previous health education strategy. Health literacy was measured using a standardised questionnaire ‘Health Literacy Questionnaire’ that was translated and culturally adapted, and supplemented by focus group and individual interviews, and observations. Next, researchers  collaborated with mothers, health staff and Ghana Health Service health education unit, in the design of a board game and brochures as interactive health education tools for use at Child Welfare Clinics. Phase three assessed the practicality/implementation? of the designed tools.

The interactive game and brochures improved caregiver and health worker relationship and encouraged a participatory approach to health education. Sustainability was challenged with periodic transfer of health workers. Scale-out of the intervention  would require support of top-level management of health    

The summary is written by the PhD student.    

The defence is public and takes place online via Zoom. Please read the attached press release for more information.

Contact:

PhD student Millicent Addai Boateng

Mail: milliboat1@ph.au.dk 

Phone: +233 241719042

Read full press release