Principal Investigator(s): Dr Sabina Dongol
Funder(s): OUCRU Vietnam
Location(s): Indonesia, Vietnam and Nepal
This study uses a mixed-methods approach to better understand how people experience illness, their health seeking pathways and treatment options in community settings.
One of the component of the study is a citizen-science digital surveillance system called ChatSci. This chatbot-based tool, integrated within widely used platforms like Facebook Messenger and WhatsApp, allows community members to easily report symptoms, treatments, and care-seeking behaviour through simple, conversational interactions in local languages.
In addition, the study analyses anonymised electronic health records from health facilities to examine prescribing practices, with a focus on antibiotic use and its appropriateness. To complement this, in-depth interviews with community members explore healthcare-seeking pathways, perceptions of illness, and understanding of antibiotics and antimicrobial resistance.
The project also includes surveys with pharmacy clients to assess treatment choices and willingness to pay for C-reactive protein (CRP) rapid diagnostic testing, which can help guide appropriate antibiotic use. Further qualitative research, through focus groups and interviews examines the acceptability and demand for point-of-care CRP testing among patients, providers, and pharmacy staff.
Finally, policy workshops will be held in each country to engage key stakeholders, explore regulatory considerations, and identify opportunities to integrate CRP testing into national health strategies and efforts to combat antimicrobial resistance.
