logo
Science Portal
Copyright © Médecins Sans Frontières
v2.1.5153.produseast1
About MSF Science Portal
About
Contact Us
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Privacy Policy
Terms of Use
Copyright © Médecins Sans Frontières
v2.1.5153.produseast1
Sociocultural and Structural Factors Contributing to Delays in Treatment for Children with Severe Malaria: A Qualitative Study in Southwestern Uganda | Journal Article / Research | MSF Science Portal
Journal Article
|Research

Sociocultural and Structural Factors Contributing to Delays in Treatment for Children with Severe Malaria: A Qualitative Study in Southwestern Uganda

Sundararajan R, Mwanga-Amumpaire J, Adrama H, Tumuhairwe J, Mbabazi S, Mworozi K, Carroll R, Bangsberg DR, Ware N
Download

Similar Content
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Abstract
Malaria is a leading cause of pediatric mortality, and Uganda has the highest incidences in the world. Increased morbidity and mortality are associated with delays to care. This qualitative study sought to characterize barriers to prompt allopathic care for children hospitalized with severe malaria in the endemic region of southwestern Uganda. Minimally structured, qualitative interviews were conducted with guardians of children admitted to a regional hospital with severe malaria. Using an inductive and content analytic approach, transcripts were analyzed to identify and define categories that explain delayed care. These categories represented two broad themes: sociocultural and structural factors. Sociocultural factors were 1) interviewee's distinctions of "traditional" versus "hospital" illnesses, which were mutually exclusive and 2) generational conflict, where deference to one's elders, who recommended traditional medicine, was expected. Structural factors were 1) inadequate distribution of health-care resources, 2) impoverishment limiting escalation of care, and 3) financial impact of illness on household economies. These factors perpetuate a cycle of illness, debt, and poverty consistent with a model of structural violence. Our findings inform a number of potential interventions that could alleviate the burden of this preventable, but often fatal, illness. Such interventions could be beneficial in similarly endemic, low-resource settings.

Countries

Uganda

Subject Area

pediatricsmalaria

Languages

English
DOI
10.4269/ajtmh.14-0784
Published Date
23 Mar 2015
PubMed ID
25802438
Journal
American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene
Volume | Issue | Pages
Volume 92, Issue 5
Issue Date
2015-05-06
Dimensions Badge