Table 2 Illustrative quotes for perceptions of participants about the use of malaria rapid diagnostic test for malaria diagnosis

“RDT helps to identify whether the person has malaria or not. It is the easiest way to diagnose malaria.” (Female)

“RDT in the fastest way of diagnosing malaria but, to me, I don’t think it is 100%, because it is not all malaria that shows in the RDT.” (Female)

“Without RDT we cannot differentiate person with malaria, ordinary fever, because every fever is not malaria. RDT help identify malaria and we treat and help [the patients].” (Female)

“It is easier than microscopy because within 20 min you know the result, so simple and it is also reliable, very reliable, though some will not show accurate result.” (Female)

“I agree with what they were saying but sometimes if somebody presents with these symptoms, it [RDT] may read negative and if you treat with like [say] antibiotics, the sickness will not go and you now decide to treat with anti-malarial…, it works, even with the negative result, the sickness will go.” (Female)