Emergency care knowledge, utilization, and barriers in Northern Tanzania: A community-based survey
2025

Emergency Care Knowledge and Barriers in Northern Tanzania

Sample size: 539 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Shayo Frida, Zaccheus Gregory Goodluck, Sakita Francis, Hernandes Thiago Rocha, Vissoci Joao Ricardo Nickenig, Gordee Alexander, Kuchibhatla Maragatha, Kiremeji Michael, Minja Linda, Mmbaga Blandina T., Staton Catherine A., Keating Elizabeth M., Joiner Anjni P.

Primary Institution: Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Center, Moshi, Tanzania

Hypothesis

This study aimed to assess community knowledge of emergency conditions as well as barriers to accessing the emergency care system in Northern Tanzania.

Conclusion

Community-dwelling adults in Northern Tanzania have significant gaps in understanding emergency care conditions and delayed access to care for these conditions.

Supporting Evidence

  • 76 households reported experiencing an emergency condition in the past year.
  • 225 respondents had an inappropriate response to at least one hypothetical emergency condition.
  • A higher proportion of those with delayed access to healthcare paid with personal cash.

Takeaway

People in Northern Tanzania don't know enough about emergency situations, which makes it hard for them to get help when they need it.

Methodology

This was a cross-sectional study of households in three districts in Kilimanjaro, Tanzania, using household surveys.

Potential Biases

The reliance on heads of households for information may not accurately reflect the experiences of all household members.

Limitations

The study faced selection bias due to changes in sampling strategy and potential recall bias as only heads of households were surveyed.

Participant Demographics

The majority of participants were from Moshi District Council, with a median household size of 4 and a median monthly income of 150,000 Tanzanian shillings.

Statistical Information

P-Value

0.02

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pgph.0004032

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