Abstract:
Introduction: Collaborating with end-users to develop interventions tailored to fit unique circumstances is
proposed as a way to improve relevance and effectiveness of an intervention. This study used a local needs driven
approach to develop a health literacy intervention for caregivers in Ghana concerning management of malaria in
children under 5 years.
Method: For the period, November 2017–February 2019, we carried out the study using a three-phase framework
including: 1) Needs assessment based on data from questionnaires, focus groups, individual interviews and
observations, 2) Co-creation of a board game and brochures for health education at Child Welfare Clinics to address
needs in health literacy concerning malaria and 3) Development of a prototype of the game, brochures as well as
determining feasibility. In addition to the research team, health administrators, community health workers,
designers and caregivers contributed to the development of the intervention.
Findings: The needs assessment contributed to the development of interactive and useful materials including a
board game and brochures, to help bridge the gaps in health literacy among caregivers. Co-creation of the
materials and prototyping yielded a varying sense of ownership among stakeholders. End-users’ engagement and
participation in developing the intervention resulted in a high interest and adherence to interventions. However,
high attrition rates of health workers and caregivers’ inconsistent use of the Child Welfare Clinics challenged
sustainability of this intervention.
Conclusion: Co-creation led to an interactive intervention. The interactive nature of the board game and brochures
resulted in a better caregiver-health provider relationship and a sense of recognition of a more participatory
approach to health delivery. We recommend co-creation as an approach to develop needs-driven interventions in a
context like Ghana. Still, a stronger buy-in at the top-level of health management would improve sustainability and
reach a larger audience.
