Understanding Acceptance and Rejection of Indoor Residual Spraying in Tanzania

Malaria causes an estimated 70,000 deaths in Tanzania each year. Indoor Residual Spraying (IRS) is one of the interventions used to control incidence of the disease and is currently being scaled up in Tanzania. Currently there is over 90% acceptance of IRS where it has been applied. However, non-acceptance remains an issue in many communities. This research describes a qualitative study conducted in 4 regions of Tanzania to explore reasons why households reject or accept IRS. Data collection included a series of Individual interviews and focus group discussions in rural and urban areas with people who had refused IRS, accepted it, or were about to have their homes sprayed for the first time. Analysis of transcripts shed light on multiple myths and misconceptions about the side effects of the chemical and the spraying process, such as beliefs that it will cause infertility or illness, or that the government is using the chemical to control rural and uneducated populations. The research also explored concerns about IRS specific to particular groups (e.g., farmers, fishers, women) and the response of community leaders to the exercise. The presentation will include a discussion of how the information gained from the research was used to craft and revise strategies and messages around IRS and revise community mobilizing training materials to prepare households and communities new to the spraying process.