Linked Life Data

8870398

Source:http://linkedlifedata.com/resource/pubmed/id/8870398

Statements in which the resource exists as a subject.
PredicateObject
rdf:type
lifeskim:mentions
pubmed:issue
2
pubmed:dateCreated
1996-11-20
pubmed:abstractText
This paper describes a study which took place in two villages in north-east district of Botswana from July 1990 through July 1991. Qualitative data collection methods were used including: observations, key-informant interviews, focus groups, and in-depth interviews. The data were used for understanding and interpreting the cultural belief systems regarding specific hygiene behaviours and diarrhoea, with emphasis on hand washing. Hand washing was said to occur for three main reasons: to remove contamination, for social reasons, and for comfort reasons. Sources of dirt on the hands included human blood and faeces. Many perceived causes of diarrhoea were identified, including pogwana (dehydration associated with sunken anterior fontanelle). Traditional concepts regarding the treatment and prevention of diarrhoea were also identified. It is suggested that beliefs surrounding hygiene behaviour and diarrhoea should be incorporated into health education programmes.
pubmed:keyword
http://linkedlifedata.com/resource/pubmed/keyword/Africa, http://linkedlifedata.com/resource/pubmed/keyword/Africa South Of The Sahara, http://linkedlifedata.com/resource/pubmed/keyword/Attitude, http://linkedlifedata.com/resource/pubmed/keyword/BOTSWANA, http://linkedlifedata.com/resource/pubmed/keyword/Behavior, http://linkedlifedata.com/resource/pubmed/keyword/Beliefs, http://linkedlifedata.com/resource/pubmed/keyword/CULTURE, http://linkedlifedata.com/resource/pubmed/keyword/Developing Countries, http://linkedlifedata.com/resource/pubmed/keyword/Diarrhea, Infantile, http://linkedlifedata.com/resource/pubmed/keyword/Diarrhea--etiology, http://linkedlifedata.com/resource/pubmed/keyword/Diseases, http://linkedlifedata.com/resource/pubmed/keyword/English Speaking Africa, http://linkedlifedata.com/resource/pubmed/keyword/HYGIENE, http://linkedlifedata.com/resource/pubmed/keyword/Health, http://linkedlifedata.com/resource/pubmed/keyword/Kap Surveys, http://linkedlifedata.com/resource/pubmed/keyword/Knowledge, http://linkedlifedata.com/resource/pubmed/keyword/PUBLIC HEALTH, http://linkedlifedata.com/resource/pubmed/keyword/Psychological Factors, http://linkedlifedata.com/resource/pubmed/keyword/Research Methodology, http://linkedlifedata.com/resource/pubmed/keyword/Research Report, http://linkedlifedata.com/resource/pubmed/keyword/Risk Reduction Behavior, http://linkedlifedata.com/resource/pubmed/keyword/Sampling Studies, http://linkedlifedata.com/resource/pubmed/keyword/Southern Africa, http://linkedlifedata.com/resource/pubmed/keyword/Studies, http://linkedlifedata.com/resource/pubmed/keyword/Surveys
pubmed:language
eng
pubmed:journal
pubmed:citationSubset
IM
pubmed:status
MEDLINE
pubmed:month
Jun
pubmed:issn
0253-8768
pubmed:author
pubmed:issnType
Print
pubmed:volume
14
pubmed:owner
NLM
pubmed:authorsComplete
Y
pubmed:pagination
75-80
pubmed:dateRevised
2007-11-15
pubmed:otherAbstract
PIP: During July 1990 to July 1991, in northeastern Botswana, focus groups, observations, and interviews were conducted in two villages largely inhabited by people from the Tswana and Kalanga tribes. Researchers examined hygiene behaviors (especially hand washing) and attitudes towards infantile diarrhea in these villages. Villagers considered hand washing after defecation to be a modern idea. Hand washing was not always done, especially if one went into the bush to defecate. People considered it more important to wash hands before meals. Identified sources of contamination were one's own body (through scratching, touching oneself while urinating, blowing the nose, hands [especially the left hand], blood [especially menstrual blood], and adult feces), soil, weeds, chicken feces, laundry water, and sometimes dish-washing water, but not cow dung and mud. Hand washing after touching each source was not always done. The focus groups identified a list of words for diarrhea in Setswana and Kalanga so health workers could track diarrhea morbidity. Both languages had a word for diarrhea that characterized the condition as having more frequent stools than usual and being affected by general ill health. Pogwana referred to dehydration associated with sunken anterior fontanelle. Many mothers did not know the cause of diarrhea. Some perceived causes of diarrhea were worms in the brain or in the stomach, a bewitched child, malnutrition, teething, watermelons, contaminated water or food, or cold weather. Ways to prevent diarrhea identified by the traditional healer included not feeding the child dirty food, not storing cooked food overnight, not giving too many different foods each day, and keeping yards swept. Diarrhea treatment options were: take the child to the clinic right away; visit a faith or traditional healer; and treat the child at home with oral rehydration salts, a home-made sugar/salt solution, or a traditional herb tea. All mothers mentioned additional fluids. Traditional healers sometimes used enemas. These findings suggest that health education programs should incorporate the beliefs revolving around hygienic behavior and diarrhea.
pubmed:meshHeading
pubmed:year
1996
pubmed:articleTitle
Understanding of hygiene behaviour and diarrhoea in two villages in Botswana.
pubmed:affiliation
Department of Clinical Sciences, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, UK.
pubmed:publicationType
Journal Article