Local understandings of adult diarrhoeal disease and its treatment in an area of high HIV-seroprevalence in Zambia.
Trop Med Int Health
; 3(10): 783-7, 1998 Oct.
Article
en En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-9809911
ABSTRACT
We set out to investigate the extent to which cultural constructs might determine treatment-seeking for diarrhoea in the poorer populations of Lusaka, Zambia. This paper describes these concepts and perceptions and outlines a classification of such illnesses, together with an analysis of its implications for understanding treatment choice. Data were derived from focus group discussions, a household survey, a survey of practitioners of traditional medicine and interviews with local residents attending an urban health centre with persistent diarrhoea. The classification is based on symptoms and perceptions of aetiology. While resulting categories convey imperatives for treatment choice, it is clear that individuals with diarrhoeal illnesses seek treatment from multiple sources. This may be because any single illness may fit more than once category, or because unrelenting ill-health engenders desperate behaviour. The cultural constructs do not fully explain treatment choice and attitudes to prevention, but could be used to improve communication regarding public health and treatment strategies.
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Bases de datos:
MEDLINE
Asunto principal:
Infecciones por VIH
/
Seroprevalencia de VIH
/
Diarrea
Tipo de estudio:
Etiology_studies
/
Qualitative_research
País/Región como asunto:
Africa
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Trop Med Int Health
Año:
1998
Tipo del documento:
Article
País de afiliación:
Zambia