Design of an implementation research study for a digital omnichannel community engagement and risk communication intervention for the prevention and control of vector-borne diseases in India: the OMNIVEC-India study protocol

Introduction: Vector-borne diseases (VBDs), such as malaria, dengue, and lymphatic filariasis, pose significant public health challenges in India, contributing significantly to the nation's morbidity and mortality. In this scenario, digital technology promises scalable, contextual, and user-centric interventions for behavior change. However, systematic and comprehensive community-based digital approaches for VBD prevention in India are limited. This study, therefore, aims to co-design a digital omnichannel Community Engagement and Risk Communication (CERC) intervention for VBDs in collaboration with the community and the health system, and pilot the intervention for acceptability and effectiveness. Methods and analysis: This mixed-methods implementation research will be conducted across five Indian states: Punjab, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Odisha, and Meghalaya, over 2 years. The initial formative phase will involve quantitative surveys to assess community knowledge, attitudes, practices, access to digital media, and perceptions of vector-borne disease risk. Qualitative studies will include participatory appraisals, stakeholder mapping, focus group discussions, and in-depth interviews. Additionally, a review of existing global community engagement and risk communication models is planned. Organizational readiness for digital CERC among public health stakeholders will also be evaluated. The subsequent Development Phase will focus on the collaborative creation and early implementation of a context-specific digital intervention delivered through multiple channels, guided by the EPIS framework. The implementation outcomes will include the intervention's acceptability, feasibility, fidelity, and early adoption. A combination of qualitative and quantitative methods, along with internet metrics such as calls to action (CTA), will support the evaluation. Impact: A co-designed VBD-CERC strategy that ensures community/user-centricity is likely acceptable and sustainable within local communities. Such a strategy is also likely to bring about the desired public health outcomes. While this intervention primarily targets VBDs, it also has potential applications in other diseases, both in India and globally.