Research snapshot: reaching refugees during the COVID-19 pandemic
The “Dial-COVID” telephone tool enabled collection and dissemination of COVID-19 information among refugee populations in Uganda.
Abstract
Exploring innovative approaches to collecting COVID-19 symptom and exposure data and sharing public health information with displaced populations in remote locations.
The “Dial-COVID” telephone tool enabled collection and dissemination of COVID-19 information among refugee populations in Uganda. The study aimed to implement Dial-COVID and assess uptake, population coverage, and the positive predictive value of the algorithm to identify people with COVID-19. A cross-sectional survey and semi-structured qualitative interviews conducted by phone were used to understand refugees’ COVID-19 knowledge, risk perception, and barriers/facilitators to prevention and control measure adoption.
Results showed that Interactive Voice Response (IVR) surveys with pre-recorded messages in nine languages overcame language and literacy barriers, did not require smartphone or internet access, and eliminated the need for in-person interaction. Its effectiveness at reaching previously hard-to-reach groups and adaptability may make IVR an appealing method for dynamic public health emergencies or outbreaks that require a rapid response.
This research was supported by the Research for Health in Humanitarian Crises (R2HC) Programme.
Citation
University of Washington, Makerere University Infectious Diseases Institute, Harvard Humanitarian Initiative, Medical Teams International and Viamo. ‘Research snapshot: reaching refugees during the COVID-19 pandemic’ Elrha, 2022
Links
Research snapshot: reaching refugees during the COVID-19 pandemic