Expert Consensus on a Proposed Study Framework to Explore Factors Influencing Plasmodium knowlesi Malaria Preventive...

Area of Science:

• Medical Entomology
• Public Health
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• The zoonotic malaria parasite Plasmodium knowlesi poses a growing public health threat due to increasing human infections.
• Eliminating P. knowlesi malaria is difficult because of its animal reservoirs, necessitating a deeper understanding of human behavior.
• Current malaria prevention strategies need enhancement by considering community beliefs, social contexts, and behavioral drivers and barriers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To achieve expert consensus on factors influencing malaria preventive behavior in communities at risk of P. knowlesi infection.
• To develop a comprehensive framework for understanding and addressing P. knowlesi malaria prevention at the community level.
• To integrate evidence from literature reviews and expert opinions to guide future malaria control interventions.

Main Methods:

• A modified Delphi study protocol was employed to gather consensus from malaria experts.
• A framework adapted from the ideation model, incorporating relevant theories and literature, was used.
• Experts responded to questionnaires, with consensus defined as over 70% agreement; data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis.

Main Results:

• Expert consensus was sought on a framework detailing factors influencing P. knowlesi malaria preventive behaviors.
• The study framework integrates multiple theoretical perspectives and empirical evidence.
• Data analysis included descriptive statistics and thematic analysis of expert responses.

Conclusions:

• Understanding community-level factors is crucial for effective P. knowlesi malaria prevention.
• Expert consensus provides a foundation for developing targeted public health strategies against this zoonotic malaria.
• Further research and intervention development should consider the identified behavioral influences.