A Model To Facilitate Socio-Cultural Congruent Malaria Care The Training Of Health Extension Workers In Ohangwena Region, Namibia

ABSTRACT  

The purpose of this study is to explore and describe the socio-cultural factors that influence 

Malaria prevention and control, conceptualise the study findings by developing the socio- 

culturally congruent training model, describe and evaluate it in order to assist trainers to 

incorporate social and cultural information during their theoretical and practical training of 

HEWs, to improve their competency. The study is descriptive and exploratory in nature, 

used convergent parallel design in which both quantitative and qualitative carried equal 

weight and data are collected at the same time from inception to completion of the study. 

Approximately 220,683 individuals were impacted by this study . Findings were generated 

from survey using only one questionnaire which was administered to 402 participants, 8 

focus group discussions, and 20 in-depth individual interviews, supported by observations 

from 20 households and  respondents who were 18 years or older. Data obtained from the 

structured questionnaire and checklist were analysed using the statistical package for social 

sciences (SPSS), and descriptive statistical analysis was applied to summarize quantitative 

data into easily identifiable relationships and data interpretation.   

Qualitative data from interviews were analysed with ATLAS. ti software. Thematic analysis 

was applied using a coding operation aimed at shortening the diversity of memos, quotation 

groups, and links into fewer content categories. The result of the study indicated that 

traditional and cultural methods of Malaria prevention is widely available but not applied. 

Mosquito nets generally available but not used due to the following reasons: 68.7 percent 

of the respondents felt that nets were expensive, 12.70% indicated not comfortable with 

using net just to mention a few. The results also revealed important among the other findings  

that participants perceived traditional and cultural methods of  Malaria prevention is widely 

available but not applied, tumble weed is widely referenced as a herb for Malaria prevention, 

participants perceived low economic status influence  negatively prevention of malaria and  

access to care, and  nets generally available but not affordable and  used. 

 The outcome of the study is a Model developed and its operationalization guidelines were 

 established. It is recommended to start training of trainers to facilitate empowerment of Health 

 Extension Workers through collaboration and consultation with relevant authorities to enact 

 integrated curriculum for inclusion of socio-cultural congruent prevention strategy and make 

 it available to donors/NGOs. 

 In addition, the government and funded donor organization to ensure balance in sustain of 

indigenous knowledge in limited resource setting. Advocate for research collaboration on 

local traditional practices with social science and western modern care practices by identify 

local resource  used in Malaria prevention