Malaria in rural Burkina Faso: local illness concepts and health-seeking behaviour
Author Information
Author(s): Claudia Beiersmann, Aboubakary Sanou, Evelyn Wladarsch, Manuela De Allegri, Bocar Kouyaté, Olaf Müller
Primary Institution: Ruprecht Karls Universität Heidelberg
Hypothesis
How do local concepts of illness affect health care-seeking behaviour for malaria in rural Burkina Faso?
Conclusion
Local concepts of illness strongly influence treatment choices and provider selection for malaria.
Supporting Evidence
- Sumaya is the most common local illness concept resembling uncomplicated malaria.
- Dusukun yelema is perceived as respiratory distress syndrome and often treated by traditional healers.
- Kono is associated with cerebral malaria and is treated primarily by guérisseurs.
- Djoliban, resembling severe anaemia, is usually referred to modern health facilities.
Takeaway
People in rural Burkina Faso have their own ideas about what causes malaria, which affects how they decide to treat it.
Methodology
Data were collected through focus group discussions, semi-structured interviews, and analysis of verbal autopsy questionnaires.
Potential Biases
Potential bias in self-reported data from interviews and focus groups.
Limitations
The study may not capture all local illness concepts or treatment practices due to its qualitative nature.
Participant Demographics
Participants included mothers, traditional healers, and health care providers from rural Burkina Faso.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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