Back to search
Publication

Household Perceptions, Treatment Seeking Behaviour, and Health Outcomes for Buruli Ulcer Disease in Owerri, South-Eastern Nigeria

Abstract

This study aimed to identify and ascertain the participants' beliefs and the impact that this has on their health-seeking behaviors and expected health outcomes in Owerri, south-eastern Nigeria. For this investigation, a purposeful sample of 178 case-positive individuals who had received care or were receiving care at health centers in Imo State was taken. A qualitative, in-depth interview guide and a semi-structured questionnaire were both used to obtain the data. According to the data, 34.8% of the participants believed that Buruli ulcer sickness was a spiritual illness brought on by their enemies, while 17.97% said that poor cleanliness was to blame, 32.4% said that contaminated water was to blame, and 16.9% said that inflicted wounds were to blame. According to other findings, the first line of treatment is often a traditional herbal remedy (44.9%), but some people prefer self-medication (22.5%), including the use of ointments and pain relievers since they think it has been defined as a boil. According to the findings, most people seek care after being dissatisfied with both traditional medicine and self-medication and possibly after issues have developed. As a result, the views of what caused the illness affected health-seeking behavior, which in turn affected the results of therapy. A lot of information is required regarding the etiology and signs of the illness, as well as encouraging early attendance at the Health Center for treatment.

More information

Type
Journal Article
Author
Ogechi NI
Divine OC
Chukwuma ER