Investigator(s)
| WHO Technical Officer |
Yuka Jinnai WHO SEARO WHE HIM Yuka Jinnai 
|
| Principal Investigator |
Mohammad Bilal Hossain Jagannath University Mohammad Bilal Hossain
|
| Co-Investigator(s) |
Ramila Bisht JNU Delhi, ICS Delhi Ramila Bisht
|
| Co-Investigator(s) |
Mohammad Salim Jagannath University Mohammad Salim
|
| Co-Investigator(s) |
Masaya Kato WHO SEARO WHE HIM Masaya Kato
|
| Co-Investigator(s) |
Hannah Brindle WHO SEARO WHE HIM Hannah Brindle
|
Title(s) and abstract
| Scientific title | Risk Communication and Community Engagement in Contact Tracing for COVID-19 in South East Asian Region: An Exploratory Study in Bangladesh |
| Public title | Risk Communication and Community Engagement in Contact Tracing for COVID-19 in South East Asian Region: An Exploratory Study in Bangladesh |
| Background | The WHO advocates contact tracing and Risk Communication and Community Engagement (RCCE) as essential in controlling the spread of COVID-19. RCCE involves proactive communication, community involvement, and context-specific solutions for prevention and control. Contact tracing is vital, but challenges arise due to the high number of cases, necessitating broader community action. Digital tracing faces criticism for its accuracy and data quality. Community engagement is crucial, particularly during public health emergencies like COVID-19. Different engagement models are discussed, with the bottom-up approach, involving active community participation in decision-making, seen as more effective. Bangladesh's COVID-19 response includes a comprehensive risk communication strategy with three levels. It is worth noting that most evidence supporting RCCE is generated in developed countries, necessitating the generation of evidence specifically focused on the Southeast and South Asian context to inform future implementations of RCCE. |
| Objectives | The objectives of the study are: (a) to understand the risk communication strategy used in contact tracing for COVID-19 in urban communities in Dhaka and (b) to explore how the community were engaged in CT and (c) to understand the perception of RCCE for CT amongst the community including contacts. The findings of the study in Dhaka will be integrated as a report with recommendations for RCCE for contact tracing in Dhaka and similar settings. The findings will also be published in a peer-reviewed open-access journal if possible. |
| Study Methods | In-depth interviews will be conducted at two purposively selected study sites in Dhaka, in-person. These sites include two urban districts (Ward 41 and Ward 33). Key informants will comprise community leaders, and individuals involved in RCCE practices within the community, including community members. The research questions and interview are prepared based on a systematic review-derived conceptual framework for public health interventions (Bruton et al., 2017). The sample size will consist of 10 informants per site, totaling 20 informants, including community people (contacts) and community workers. Informed consent will be obtained from all participants before conducting the interviews, and their approval will be sought for recording the interviews. All audio-recordings and transcripts will be treated with utmost confidentiality, accessible only to the research team. Data will be stored securely in password-protected devices and shared among research team members through a password-protected OneDrive. Data will be held for three years and destroyed thereafter. The analysis will involve thematic coding and will be conducted iteratively to test propositions and explore emerging themes. The analysis will be a collaborative effort undertaken by the collaborating teams. |
| Expected outcomes and use of results | The qualitative study on the design and implementation of risk communication and community engagement (RCCE) measures for contact tracing in Dhaka, Bangladesh, is expected to yield significant contributions to the field of public health. To ensure broad dissemination of our findings and their impact on both academic and practical spheres, we plan to undertake detailed reporting on the use of RCCE in contact tracing, document the level of community engagement, initiate a discussion on the practical implications, and finally, write a research manuscript for publication. The anticipated outcomes of this study hold substantial promise for advancing knowledge and informing practical interventions. The comprehensive report aims not only to scrutinize the risk communication and community engagement strategy in Dhaka but also to provide insights into the application of RCCE and CT. The study focuses on Dhaka, the capital city of Bangladesh, to ensure that the findings are relevant to similar settings around the world particularly in Southeast Asian region. |
| Keywords | COVID-19, contact tracing, Risk Communication and Community Engagement (RCCE), community involvement, public health emergencies, community participation, Bangladesh, evidence, Southeast Asia, South Asia. |
Research Details
| Student research | No |
| Start Date | 02-Mar-2024 |
| End Date | 01-Jul-2024 |
| Key Implementing Institution | Jagannath University |
| Multi-country research | No |
| Nationwide research | No |
| Bangladesh | |
| Research Domain(s) | Communicable Disease Research |
| Research field(s) | COVID-19, |
| Involves human subjects | Yes |
| Qualitative Study | |
| Data Collection | Primary data |
| Proposal reviewed by other Committee | Final decision available |