Stereotypes on Nodding Syndrome: Responses of Health Workers in the Affected Region of Northern Uganda
Date
2013-12Author
Mutamba, B
Abbo, C
Muron, J
Idro, R
Mwaka, Amos Deogratius
Metadata
Show full item recordAbstract
Background: Nodding Syndrome is a debilitating disorder of yet unknown etiology that has affected children and adolescents
aged 3 – 18 years in parts of sub Saharan African countries including Uganda, South Sudan, Tanzania and Liberia.
Objective: To identify stereotypes and negative attitudes held by primary care health workers about nodding syndrome.
Method: Of one hundred health workers invited by the Uganda Ministry of Health for training on nodding syndrome from the three most affected districts of Pader, Lamwo and Kitgum forty were interviewed using a predesigned tool. Content and thematic analysis was applied.
Results: There were 22 females. The median age was 33 years (range 23-54 years). The participants included Psychiatric
Clinical Officers, Medical Clinical Officers, Laboratory Technicians, Midwives, Registered and Enrolled Nurses. Overall, four
broad categories of negative stereotypes were identified; Nodding syndrome is 1) an incurable disease, 2) is associated with
evil spirits and curses, 3) is disabling, making the patient a burden to society and 4) is a fatal illness.
Conclusion: Primary health care workers who lead the care of patients with nodding syndrome have several negative
stereotypes that may potentially impact negatively on the quality of care they provide.