310979
Factors contributing to emerging infectious diseases: Findings from a qualitative study in Uganda
In October 2013, PREVENT conducted a qualitative study among two ethnic groups (Bakiga and Bafumbira) living in or using areas with semi-disturbed and disturbed ecologies in Kisoro District, Uganda. We sought to understand differences in exposure to animals related to landscapes ethnicity, gender and age. Methods included individual interviews and focus group discussions employing a variety of participatory tools.
Findings indicate varying degrees of human interaction with key species - bats, primates, rodents – as well as other animals. The main activities associated with exposure include consumption, medicinal uses, crop fertilization and pest eradication. Cultural and social factors influencing exposure included religious beliefs, taboos, social roles, and legal issues. In addition to differences between ethnic groups and physical environments, the study determined that men, women and children have different types and levels of exposure that need to be addressed when developing interventions.
Learning Areas:
Diversity and culturePublic health or related research
Social and behavioral sciences
Learning Objectives:
Explain the mechanisms of transmission of zoonotic diseases from animals to humans.
Describe the research questions and methods used in the design of a qualitative study that explores human exposure to animals.
Discuss the main factors that might place people in Kisoro district in Uganda at risk of disease transmission from animals
Discuss the role of environment (different landscapes and ecologies) in exposure.
Keyword(s): Behavioral Research, International Health
Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I have been a researcher for over a decade on a variety of public health projects, most recently on a US Agency for International Development project on zoonotic/emerging infectious diseases.
Any relevant financial relationships? No
I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.