Introduction:

The Kufikira project is a survey-based study exploring whether websites could be useful in improving the knowledge, attitude, practice and engagement that type 2 diabetic patients in Mzuzu, Malawi have regarding their illness. Kufikira means “engagement” in the Tumbuka language and it is the title of the project due to the exploration of how websites can be used to engage a population with more barriers to internet access (such as Malawi). In addition to type 2 diabetics, other stakeholders in the Mzuzu area (such as NGO employees, the general public, Mzuzu University students and healthcare professionals) will also be recruited. Overall, this study will showcase whether health promotion through websites can benefit countries that still have barriers to widespread internet access.

Methods and analysis:

Three data collection tools will be utilised across five groups to assess the impact of a diabetes-based website. The groups are 1) T2DM patients located in Mzuzu (n=99), 2) Luke International employees (NGO) (n=36), 3) general undergraduate/post-graduate students in Mzuzu University (n=94), 4) the general public of Mzuzu (n=100) and 5) healthcare professionals (n=90). The data collection tools are 1) a survey, based on the KAP (Knowledge, Attitude and Practice) framework. This will elucidate the knowledge and attitude that participants have towards diabetes. In addition, diabetic patients will be given a more complete version of the survey that will measure any changes in practice 2) the second survey is modelled around the WEQ (Website Evaluation Questionnaire) survey. It will provide information on how participants feel about the navigation, content, and layout of the website and 3)Google analytics data will be used to explore what strategies are best to engage individuals with the website.

Ethics and dissemination:

Ethics approval was obtained from the Malawi Research Ethics Committee. Results will be disseminated through peer review journals and scientific conferences.

Acknowledgements:

The authors thank the participants and the public of Mzuzu, in advance of their assistance in completing this study.

Team Members:

Kareem Choucair

Griphin Baxter Chirambo

Patrick Henn:

Billy Harry Chitete

Rebecca W Mtegha:

Joseph Wu

Hsin-yi Lee

Philip Fadahunsi 

John O’Donoghue