Barriers and Facilitators to Schistosomiasis Treatment in Uganda
Author Information
Author(s): Odoi Paskari, Neema Stella, Vennervald Birgitte J., Tukahebwa Edridah M., Wilson Shona
Primary Institution: Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
Hypothesis
What factors inhibit or facilitate adherence to mass drug administration for schistosomiasis in persistent hotspots along Lake Albert, Uganda?
Conclusion
Community engagement and education are crucial for improving treatment uptake of praziquantel in schistosomiasis hotspots.
Supporting Evidence
- Participants reported that knowing others who improved after treatment encouraged them to participate.
- Community drug distributors were trusted figures who facilitated treatment uptake.
- Fear of side effects was a common barrier, but many felt the benefits of treatment outweighed these fears.
- Women were more likely to participate to set a good example for their children.
- Misconceptions about the drug's effects on fertility inhibited some men's participation.
Takeaway
People living near Lake Albert in Uganda sometimes don't take their medicine for schistosomiasis because they are scared of side effects or don't know how important it is, but when they learn more and see others getting better, they are more likely to take it.
Methodology
An ethnographic study using in-depth interviews, key informant interviews, focus group discussions, and participant observation.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to the reliance on self-reported data and the influence of local leaders on participant responses.
Limitations
The study did not coincide with MDA months, limiting data collection from mobile populations and only included participants speaking Alur and Lunyoro.
Participant Demographics
Participants included men, women, youths, and older adults, primarily from fishing and farming backgrounds.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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