Unpacking the Sociocultural Environment: Realities, Practices and Prevention of Disease Outbreaks in Uganda’s Borderpoint Districts
Gloria K. Seruwagi *
Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Victoria University, Uganda.
Catherine L. Nakidde
Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Victoria University, Uganda.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Aim: The study was undertaken to deepen understanding of the community’s knowledge, attitudes, practices and behaviours (KAPB) regarding epidemics.
Methods: This was a qualitative cross-sectional study conducted in four Ugandan border districts of Arua, Adjumani, Koboko and Kiryandongo. It used mixed methods and data were collected using observation, community dialogues, focus group discussions and key informant interviews.
Results: The porous nature of Uganda’s border points and diversity of communities therein presents massive health system challenges in the prevention of and response to disease outbreaks. While some community KAPB might play a protective role, others are potentially harmful within the context of epidemics and demonstrate incongruence with disease facts or messages from disease experts.
Conclusion: We conclude that most community KAPB are entrenched in poverty, go beyond the scope of disease prevention or the health sector and call for concerted effort from across the political, geographical, social and economic divide. Approaches to community engagement in epidemic prevention and response should be cognizant of diversity and move beyond information dissemination to actually supporting behavioral change.
Keywords: Culture, epidemics, disease outbreak, community KAP, culture and health.