Community responses to a novel house design: A qualitative study of “Star Homes” in Mtwara, southeastern Tanzania
Issued Date
2025-01-01
Resource Type
eISSN
19326203
Scopus ID
2-s2.0-85216505025
Pubmed ID
39841665
Journal Title
PLoS ONE
Volume
20
Issue
1 January
Rights Holder(s)
SCOPUS
Bibliographic Citation
PLoS ONE Vol.20 No.1 January (2025)
Suggested Citation
Mshamu S., Meta J., Adhikari B., Halifa S., Mmbando A., Wood H.S., Wood O.S., Bøjstrup T.C., Day N.P.J., Lindsay S.W., Knudsen J., Deen J., von Seidlein L., Pell C. Community responses to a novel house design: A qualitative study of “Star Homes” in Mtwara, southeastern Tanzania. PLoS ONE Vol.20 No.1 January (2025). doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0309518 Retrieved from: https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/123456789/104259
Title
Community responses to a novel house design: A qualitative study of “Star Homes” in Mtwara, southeastern Tanzania
Author's Affiliation
Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit
Amsterdam Institute for Global Health and Development
Amsterdam Public Health
Ifakara Health Institute
University of the Philippines Manila
Durham University
Royal Danish Academy – Architecture, Design, Conservation
Nuffield Department of Medicine
Universiteit van Amsterdam
CSK Research Solutions
Amsterdam Institute for Global Health and Development
Amsterdam Public Health
Ifakara Health Institute
University of the Philippines Manila
Durham University
Royal Danish Academy – Architecture, Design, Conservation
Nuffield Department of Medicine
Universiteit van Amsterdam
CSK Research Solutions
Corresponding Author(s)
Other Contributor(s)
Abstract
Introduction To evaluate the impact of a novel design “Star Home” on the incidence of malaria, respiratory tract infections and diarrheal diseases among children, randomly selected households in Mtwara, Tanzania were offered a free, new Star Home. Drawing on longitudinal qualitative research that accompanied the Star Homes study, this article describes the experiences of residents and the wider community of living with these buildings. Methods A total of four rounds of face-to-face interviews were undertaken with residents of Star Homes (n = 37), control (wattle/daub) homes (n = 21), neighboring households n = 6), community members (n = 17) and community leaders (n = 6). The use of Star Homes was also observed over these four time periods between 2021 and 2023. Interviews were conducted in Swahili, transcribed, and translated into English for thematic analysis. Results Star Homes residents appreciated several aspects of the Star Homes, including overall comfort, access to water and electricity, and clean toilets. There were concerns about some design elements, such as poorly closing doors, stoves perceived as inefficient, and the façade, which was susceptible to rainwater ingress. The houses were not always used as intended by their developers, for example, residents were sleeping downstairs instead of upstairs because of cold floors or difficulties using the stairs. Star Homes residents described how the structures triggered praise but also envy from other community members. Conclusions The findings highlight the need for close attention to the use of novel design houses and careful sensitization around the potential benefits of dwellings to ensure that the intended health impacts of interventions are achieved.