Abstract
In Uganda, tungiasis/jiggers significantly affect the health of vulnerable individuals, yet, it is a neglected disease. This study explores insights from the social innovation in health approach for effective jigger management including: treatment (use of safety pins in the communities/ hostel), prevention (provision of shoes and health education), and improving general well-being (self-help groups) in Uganda. A qualitative instrumental case study design was employed. We conducted 6 key informant interviews with staff, and 4 focus group discussions with project beneficiaries. Transcriptions were imported into NVivo software and analyzed thematically. The innovation served as a microcosm for understanding broader social, economic, and health issues related to jiggers in Uganda. Four broad themes with their respective subthemes emerged as valuable insights. Theme 1 (Characteristics of patients/ household) included the following sub-themes: being vulnerable/ marginalized/ male, having co-morbidities, dwelling in rural/ slum areas, low socioeconomic status, unhygienic dwellings, and indifferent/ apathetic context (mediating the pervasive nature of the jiggers). Broader social, economic, and health issues surrounding jiggers (theme 2) encompassed sub-themes including: lack of information, and drugs, denialism, and sabotage by the political leaders. Opportunities and synergies (theme 3) had sub-themes like the simplicity, and cost-effectiveness of the methods with potential for roll-out and scaling. Impact (theme 4) revealed sub-themes like; restoration of hope, self-efficacy, an improvement in school attendance, and integrated management of jiggers and their co-morbidities. The findings highlight the importance of embracing a holistic approach that addresses both immediate health concerns and broader socioeconomic factors.
Presenters
Alone IsabiryePostdoctoral Fellow, Department of Community Health Studies, Durban University of Technology, Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
Public Health Policies and Practices
KEYWORDS
JIGGERS, TUNGIASIS, EASTERN UGANDA, SOCIAL INNOVATION
