People's knowledge and attitude to elephantiasis and its prevention in southwest Ethiopia

Abstract

A qualitative, phenomenological study using focus group discussions and unstructured in-depth interviews was conducted in Bitta and Medaboo villages in Kafa zone, southwest Ethiopia. The aims of this study were to explore the knowledge, attitudes and perceptions about the cause and consequences of lymphatic filariasis. The results of the study are to be utilised to provide a theoretical basis for providing health education materials and devising health promotion programmes and strategies. Participants included community leaders, village elders, traditional healers, teachers, agricultural development workers, health professionals and affected individuals. Creation of favourable environments for breeding the vectors and expansion of settlement areas were the main factors of disease spread in endemic areas. The disease was found to have adverse effects on the physical, cultural, social and emotional aspects of village life. The main theme to emerge was that the role of the mosquito vector is not known and as such this must be the number one priority for education.

Key words:

• elephantiasis
• lymphatic filariasis
• health education
• Kafa
• Ethiopia