Voices from the Amazon: exploring implementor and user perceptions of non-invasive malaria diagnostics in Peru
Abstract Background Malaria burden remains high in some Peruvian regions, especially in the Northeast Amazon rainforest state of Loreto and the tropical coastal state of Tumbes. Novel non-invasive diagnostic tools for malaria are being developed, and formative research in malaria-endemic areas with...
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BMC
2025-02-01
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| Series: | Malaria Journal |
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| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1186/s12936-025-05273-1 |
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| author | Lauren Nussbaum Emma Ortega E. Jennifer Ríos López Alfonso Simoné Vizcarra Jhonny J. Córdova López Serafina Calarco Elena Marbán-Castro Kevin Tetteh Sonjelle Shilton Amy C. Morrison Vanessa Fargnoli Valerie A. Paz-Soldán |
| author_facet | Lauren Nussbaum Emma Ortega E. Jennifer Ríos López Alfonso Simoné Vizcarra Jhonny J. Córdova López Serafina Calarco Elena Marbán-Castro Kevin Tetteh Sonjelle Shilton Amy C. Morrison Vanessa Fargnoli Valerie A. Paz-Soldán |
| author_sort | Lauren Nussbaum |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Abstract Background Malaria burden remains high in some Peruvian regions, especially in the Northeast Amazon rainforest state of Loreto and the tropical coastal state of Tumbes. Novel non-invasive diagnostic tools for malaria are being developed, and formative research in malaria-endemic areas with community members and health professionals who would potentially use these devices is vital for this process. This study aimed to examine the acceptability and feasibility of four new non-invasive malaria diagnostic tools in development in two regions of Peru with significant malaria burden. Methods The research team conducted focus group discussions and key informant interviews in Spanish to assess acceptability and ascertain questions and concerns regarding the non-invasive diagnostic tools. Focus group discussions included a range of community members (pregnant women, parents), professionals (health, education), and community leaders in Loreto. Vector control authorities and health professionals from Loreto, Tumbes, and Lima participated as key informants. Results Participants were initially enthusiastic about all non-invasive diagnostic tools. However, as discussions proceeded, high enthusiasm remained for two devices that were easy to use, acceptable for the communities they were intended for, feasible to carry in remote areas, and did not require new supplies nor generate waste: the skin scan and the skin odour test. The breath and saliva tests were considered less hygienic. They were less acceptable to community members and health professionals due to concerns of disease transmission and other environmental and cultural concerns. Health professionals felt the finger scan test and the skin odour test would help triage community members in endemic sites and would be valuable in remote regions with difficult access to health facilities or laboratories. Conclusions Novel non-invasive malaria diagnostic tools can be valuable in malaria-endemic settings. As manufacturers evaluate the efficacy and effectiveness of these non-invasive diagnostic tools, international recommendations should be created to ensure their agile integration into national malaria programmes. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-cec8bae02b534de98f9ccbb2f9b6482c |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 1475-2875 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-02-01 |
| publisher | BMC |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Malaria Journal |
| spelling | doaj-art-cec8bae02b534de98f9ccbb2f9b6482c2025-02-02T12:09:49ZengBMCMalaria Journal1475-28752025-02-0124111210.1186/s12936-025-05273-1Voices from the Amazon: exploring implementor and user perceptions of non-invasive malaria diagnostics in PeruLauren Nussbaum0Emma Ortega1E. Jennifer Ríos López2Alfonso Simoné Vizcarra3Jhonny J. Córdova López4Serafina Calarco5Elena Marbán-Castro6Kevin Tetteh7Sonjelle Shilton8Amy C. Morrison9Vanessa Fargnoli10Valerie A. Paz-Soldán11Department of Tropical Medicine and Infectious Disease, Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical MedicineDepartment of Tropical Medicine and Infectious Disease, Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical MedicineBehavioral Sciences Research Unit, Asociación Benéfica PRISMABehavioral Sciences Research Unit, Asociación Benéfica PRISMABehavioral Sciences Research Unit, Asociación Benéfica PRISMAFINDFINDFINDFINDBehavioral Sciences Research Unit, Asociación Benéfica PRISMAFINDDepartment of Tropical Medicine and Infectious Disease, Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical MedicineAbstract Background Malaria burden remains high in some Peruvian regions, especially in the Northeast Amazon rainforest state of Loreto and the tropical coastal state of Tumbes. Novel non-invasive diagnostic tools for malaria are being developed, and formative research in malaria-endemic areas with community members and health professionals who would potentially use these devices is vital for this process. This study aimed to examine the acceptability and feasibility of four new non-invasive malaria diagnostic tools in development in two regions of Peru with significant malaria burden. Methods The research team conducted focus group discussions and key informant interviews in Spanish to assess acceptability and ascertain questions and concerns regarding the non-invasive diagnostic tools. Focus group discussions included a range of community members (pregnant women, parents), professionals (health, education), and community leaders in Loreto. Vector control authorities and health professionals from Loreto, Tumbes, and Lima participated as key informants. Results Participants were initially enthusiastic about all non-invasive diagnostic tools. However, as discussions proceeded, high enthusiasm remained for two devices that were easy to use, acceptable for the communities they were intended for, feasible to carry in remote areas, and did not require new supplies nor generate waste: the skin scan and the skin odour test. The breath and saliva tests were considered less hygienic. They were less acceptable to community members and health professionals due to concerns of disease transmission and other environmental and cultural concerns. Health professionals felt the finger scan test and the skin odour test would help triage community members in endemic sites and would be valuable in remote regions with difficult access to health facilities or laboratories. Conclusions Novel non-invasive malaria diagnostic tools can be valuable in malaria-endemic settings. As manufacturers evaluate the efficacy and effectiveness of these non-invasive diagnostic tools, international recommendations should be created to ensure their agile integration into national malaria programmes.https://doi.org/10.1186/s12936-025-05273-1MalariaNon-invasive diagnostic tools |
| spellingShingle | Lauren Nussbaum Emma Ortega E. Jennifer Ríos López Alfonso Simoné Vizcarra Jhonny J. Córdova López Serafina Calarco Elena Marbán-Castro Kevin Tetteh Sonjelle Shilton Amy C. Morrison Vanessa Fargnoli Valerie A. Paz-Soldán Voices from the Amazon: exploring implementor and user perceptions of non-invasive malaria diagnostics in Peru Malaria Journal Malaria Non-invasive diagnostic tools |
| title | Voices from the Amazon: exploring implementor and user perceptions of non-invasive malaria diagnostics in Peru |
| title_full | Voices from the Amazon: exploring implementor and user perceptions of non-invasive malaria diagnostics in Peru |
| title_fullStr | Voices from the Amazon: exploring implementor and user perceptions of non-invasive malaria diagnostics in Peru |
| title_full_unstemmed | Voices from the Amazon: exploring implementor and user perceptions of non-invasive malaria diagnostics in Peru |
| title_short | Voices from the Amazon: exploring implementor and user perceptions of non-invasive malaria diagnostics in Peru |
| title_sort | voices from the amazon exploring implementor and user perceptions of non invasive malaria diagnostics in peru |
| topic | Malaria Non-invasive diagnostic tools |
| url | https://doi.org/10.1186/s12936-025-05273-1 |
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