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. 2023 Nov 27;29(6):493-499.
doi: 10.1136/ip-2022-044840.

Development and validation of an intervention package to improve lifejacket wear for drowning prevention among occupational boaters on Lake Albert, Uganda

Frederick Oporia  1 , Fred Nuwaha  2 , Olive Kobusingye  2   3 , Jagnoor Jagnoor  4 , Fredrick Edward Makumbi  5 , John Bosco Isunju  2 , Simon P S Kibira  6
Affiliations

Development and validation of an intervention package to improve lifejacket wear for drowning prevention among occupational boaters on Lake Albert, Uganda

Frederick Oporia et al. Inj Prev. .

Abstract

Background: Occupational drowning is a growing public health concern globally. The human cost of fishing is highest in sub-Saharan Africa. Although lifejackets prevent drowning, the majority of boaters in Uganda do not wear them. We developed and validated a peer-to-peer training manual to improve lifejacket wear among occupational boaters on Lake Albert, Uganda.

Methods: The intervention was developed in three stages. In stage one, we conducted baseline studies to explore and identify aspects of practices that need to change. In stage two, we held a stakeholder workshop to identify relevant interventions following the intervention functions of the behaviour change wheel (BCW). In stage three, we developed the content and identified its implementation strategies. We validated the intervention package using the Content Validity Index for each item (I-CVI) and scale (S-CVI/Ave).

Results: Seven interventions were identified and proposed by stakeholders. Training and sensitisation by peers were unanimously preferred. The lowest I-CVI for the content was 86%, with an S-CVI/Ave of 98%. This indicates that the intervention package was highly relevant to the target community.

Conclusion: The stakeholder workshop enabled a participatory approach to identify the most appropriate intervention. All the proposed interventions fell under one of the intervention functions of the BCW. The intervention should be evaluated for its effectiveness in improving lifejacket wear among occupational boaters.

Keywords: Drowning; Health Education; Implementation / Translation; Training; Uptake/Adherence.

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Conflict of interest statement

Competing interests: None declared.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Map of Uganda showing Lake Albert and the surrounding districts.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Steps in identifying behaviour change interventions.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Process of development of the intervention.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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