The Role of Health, Learning and Leadership Institutions in Schistosomiasis Research Uptake in Ingwavuma Area, uMkhanyakude District, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.

Abstract Background: MABISA (Malaria and Bilharzia in Southern Africa) project generated knowledge on schistosomiasis trends, prevalence, intensity and incidence under changing climatic conditions. Uptake of this knowledge may benefit the affected communities in the uMkhanyakude area to develop strategies that may reduce their vulnerability to schistosomiasis. Research uptake (RU) is dependent upon the engagement of various stakeholders who are likely to utilise the generated knowledge. This study purpose is to determine the role of health, learning and leadership institutions in the uptake schistosomiasis research findings. Methods: In-depth interviews with 18 key informants purposively selected from health, educational and social institutions were conducted. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data. Roles played by each stakeholder in community health communication were determined. The stakeholder’s power to influence the community and their interest for reducing the burden of schistosomiasis were interpreted using the Boston matrix. Results: The stakeholder analysis showed that teachers and nurses have a high influence and interest in solving the problem and can be partnered with in delivering schistosomiasis RU interventions. Councillors and village headmen had high influence but low interest in the problem of schistosomiasis but could participate in intervention activities or be consulted before the interventions are implemented. Health workers had high interest in the problem but had low influential power. They, however, can be consulted or be provided with information to share with the people they interact with in the community. The library had low interest in the problem; however they could assist by disseminating information about schistosomiasis through distribution and display of learning materials to library users.Conclusions: We concluded that knowledge uptake is highly influenced by stakeholder’s choice of communication channels. The role of stakeholders is determined by their interest, influence and ability to implement interventions. Therefore, for effective schistosomiasis knowledge uptake to occur, capacity building in health communication channels and buy-in by stakeholders are essential.