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Acute gastrointestinal illness in an African Indigenous population: the lived experience of Uganda's Batwa.
- Source :
- Rural & Remote Health; 2020, Vol. 20 Issue 1, p124-134, 11p
- Publication Year :
- 2020
-
Abstract
- Introduction: Indigenous populations in low-income regions are often the most acutely affected by social gradients that impact health, including high burdens of infectious disease. Using a mixed methods approach, this study characterized the lived experience of acute gastrointestinal illness (AGI) in an Indigenous Batwa population in south-western Uganda. Methods: Quantitative data analyses were conducted on data from three cross-sectional census surveys of Batwa conducted in January 2013 (n=583), January 2014 (n=569) and April 2014 (n=540). Using a 14-day recall period, cases of AGI were defined as three or more loose stools or any vomiting in a 24-hour period. These analyses were supplemented by qualitative data from key informant interviews (n=11 interviews) and Batwa focus group discussions (n=61 participants). Results: From the surveys, episodes of diarrhea and episodes of vomiting lasted on average 3.6 (95%CI 2.3-4.3) and 3.0 (95%CI 2.1-3.9) days, and individuals experienced an average of 4.3 (95%CI 3.9-4.8) and 2.6 (95%CI 2.1-3.1) loose stools and vomiting episodes in 24 hours. Focus group participants and key informants indicated that episodes of AGI for Batwa were not limited to symptom-based consequences for the individual, but also had economic, social and nutritional impacts. Conclusion: Despite efforts to increase health literacy in disease transmission dynamics, risks and prevention measures, the perceived barriers and a lack of benefits still largely underscored adopting positive AGI prevention behaviors. This study moved beyond surveillance and provided information on the broader community-level burden of AGI and highlighted the current challenges and opportunities for improved uptake of AGI prevention measures for the Batwa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 14456354
- Volume :
- 20
- Issue :
- 1
- Database :
- Supplemental Index
- Journal :
- Rural & Remote Health
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 141312887
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.22605/RRH5141