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Using qualitative methods to explore lay explanatory models, health-seeking behaviours and self-care practices of podoconiosis patients in north-west Ethiopia

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posted on 2023-06-09, 02:37 authored by Harrison S Banks, Girmay Tsegay, Moges Wubie, Abreham Tamiru, Gail DaveyGail Davey, Maxwell CooperMaxwell Cooper
Background: Podoconiosis (endemic non-filarial elephantiasis) is a chronic, non-infectious disease resulting from exposure of bare feet to red-clay soil in tropical highlands. This study examined lay beliefs about three under-researched aspects of podoconiosis patients’ care: explanatory models, health-seeking behaviours and self-care. Methods: In-depth interviews and focus group discussions were undertaken with 34 participants (19 male, 15 female) between April-May 2015 at podoconiosis treatment centres across East and West Gojjam regions in north-west Ethiopia. Results: Explanatory models for podoconiosis included contamination from blood, magic, soil or affected individuals. Belief in heredity or divine punishment often delayed clinic attendance. All participants had tried holy water treatment and some, holy soil. Herbal treatments were considered ineffectual, costly and appeared to promote fluid escape. Motivators for clinic attendance were failure of traditional treatments and severe or disabling symptoms. Patients did not report self-treatment with antibiotics. Self-care was hindered by water being unavailable or expensive and patient fatigue. Conclusion: A pluralistic approach to podoconiosis self-treatment was discovered. Holy water is widely valued, though some patients prefer holy soil. Priests and traditional healers could help promote self-care and “signpost” patients to clinics. Change in behaviour and improving water access is key to self-care.

History

Publication status

  • Published

File Version

  • Published version

Journal

PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases

ISSN

1935-2727

Publisher

Public Library of Science

Issue

8

Volume

10

Article number

e0004878

Department affiliated with

  • BSMS Publications

Full text available

  • Yes

Peer reviewed?

  • Yes

Legacy Posted Date

2016-08-24

First Open Access (FOA) Date

2016-08-24

First Compliant Deposit (FCD) Date

2016-08-24

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