Disease priorities and rapid diagnostics testing preferences among community members in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa: a formative qualitative study
Community perspectives highlighted a demand for accessible, rapid and decentralised diagnostic tools for high-burden diseases in KwaZulu-Natal. RDTs have the potential to improve health outcomes and reduce health disparities through improved access to diagnostic healthcare services. The community members are potential end users of RDTs, especially in resource-constrained settings. Therefore, their perspectives should be considered in the development and implementation of RDTs to enhance acceptability and public health impact.
Authors
- Alastair van Heerden (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2530-6885)
- Hilton Humphries (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8503-4127)
- Paul K. Drain (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9569-4097)
- Chanda Mwamba (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7626-6273)
- Patricia Maritim (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8920-009X)
- Anjali Sharma (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8189-0732)
- Meagan J. Bemer (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0009-7589)
- Jennifer F. Morton (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3080-6254)
- Thandanani Madonsela (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0005-8473-622X)
- Lenika Naiken (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0009-8337-0376)
- Ayanda Tshazi (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0003-6247-7461)
- Amber Lauff (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0001-6628-1293)
Institutions
- Human Sciences Research Council (ZA)
- Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia (ZM)
- University of Cape Town (ZA)
- University of Washington (US)
- Health Alliance International (US)
- University of Zambia (ZM)
- Umkhuseli Innovation and Research Management (ZA)
- University of KwaZulu-Natal (ZA)
Publication Details
- Journal
- BMJ Open
- Published
- 2025-11-01
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2025-104997
- Citations
- 1
- Primary Topic
- Health Policy Implementation Science
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 2.82
Funders
- Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation
- Alexander von Humboldt-Stiftung