Authors: Winnie Kibone, Andrew Weil Semulimi, Richard Kwizera, Felix Bongomin
Mycetoma is a rare neglected tropical disease in Uganda, and this study aimed to improve community health workers’ (CHWs) knowledge to help identify and refer suspected cases. Between March and August 2023, researchers trained 45 CHWs in Gulu and Pader districts for one day and assessed their knowledge before and after the training. Initially, the average knowledge score was low at 7 out of 18 but increased to 11 immediately after training and remained at 10 six months later. The study found significant improvements in knowledge, particularly among female CHWs, those aged 30-40 years, and those with secondary education. Over the six months, the CHWs screened nearly 3,000 adults and referred 30 suspected mycetoma cases. However, they faced challenges such as limited knowledge, stigma, myths about the disease, and transportation difficulties. The findings highlight the importance of training CHWs to enhance early detection and treatment of mycetoma, ultimately improving health outcomes in Uganda.
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Resource Topic: CHW training, Mycetoma, Surveillance
Resource Type: Mixed Methods
Year: 2024
Region: Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA)
Country: Uganda
Publisher May Restrict Access: No