COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS ASSESSING THE EFFECTIVENESS AND EFFICIENCY OF PAPER-BASED Vs DIGITAL APPROACHES IN KADOMA CHOLERA CASE AREA TARGETED INTERVENTIONS BETWEEN JUNE TO AUGUST 2024. A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY.

Precious Sabina  Banda; Anahita  Ali

doi:10.51168/sjhrafrica.v6i6.1640

Authors

Precious Sabina Banda Faculty of Public Health Sciences, James Lind Institute
Dr. Anahita Ali Faculty of Public Health Sciences, James Lind Institute

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51168/sjhrafrica.v6i6.1640

Keywords:

Effectiveness and efficiency, Paper-based vs digital approaches, Kadoma case area targeted interventions

Abstract

Study Aim

To assess the effectiveness and efficiency of paper-based vs digital approaches in the Kadoma cholera case area, targeted interventions between June to August 2024.

Methodology

A field trial was employed to compare paper-based and digital data collection methods during Case Area Targeted Interventions (CATIs) within the context of the cholera outbreak. Twenty CATI team members were randomly assigned to two groups using a random number generation process.

Results

The data reveal a fairly balanced gender distribution among the 20 implementors: 11 males and 9 females. The collection process uses paper-based and digital methods. There were 140 (98%) completed interviews using the paper-based method and 142 (100%) using the digital method. The number of completed interviews using the two approaches does not differ significantly (p-value < 0.05). The paper-based mean is 12 minutes (SD =2.89, CI 11.53 -12.47), the digital mean is 9 minutes (SD =2.85, CI 9.53 - 10.47), and the t-test for the mean difference is 7.502. The p-value was 0.0001. The digital method demonstrated slightly higher completion rates (100%) compared to the paper-based method (98%).

Conclusion

The study demonstrates that digital methods outperform paper-based approaches in terms of efficiency, resulting in considerable time savings during data collection. While both methods achieved high completion rates, the digital approach allows for faster data capture and swifter public health responses, which are crucial during outbreaks.

Recommendations

Kadoma City Council should prioritize the adoption of digital methods for time-sensitive situations, particularly during outbreak investigations where a swift response is crucial.

Author Biographies

Precious Sabina Banda, Faculty of Public Health Sciences, James Lind Institute

Precious Sabina Banda is an Environmental Health Officer at Kadoma City Council in Zimbabwe. Currently, she is awaiting results for her Master's degree in Biostatistics and Epidemiology, having completed all coursework. She holds a Bachelor of Environmental Science Honours Degree in Public Health. With nearly eight years of experience in outbreak management, she possesses a robust background in public health, contributing valuable insights to community health initiatives.

Dr. Anahita Ali, Faculty of Public Health Sciences, James Lind Institute

Holds a PhD degree in Public Health with a strong background in epidemiology and mental health, which complements the interdisciplinary aspect of public health. Her research was majorly focused on the mental health issues, coping strategies and challenges faced by Indian healthcare workers during COVID-19 pandemic. During her professional journey of approximately 8 years, she has gained extensive knowledge in promoting community well-being and has honed analytical skills to critically assess public health challenges and devise evidence-based solutions. She has also completed certificate courses of faculty development programs, national/ international workshops, field epidemiology, leadership & management in health, and human health and climate change.

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