Cultural responses towards the aftermath of suicide among the Acholi in Northern Uganda

2018 ◽  
Vol 64 (6) ◽  
pp. 545-553 ◽  
Author(s):  
James Mugisha ◽  
Herbert Muyinda ◽  
Heidi Hjelmeland ◽  
Eugene Kinyanda ◽  
Davy Vancampfort ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Affect Regulation ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Northern Uganda ◽  
Cultural Institutions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Post Conflict ◽  
Key Informant ◽  
Gulu District ◽  
Cultural Responses

Background: Suicide is a public health problem in Uganda among indigenous societies, and different societies manage its aftermath differently. Aim: To explore how the Acholi in Northern Uganda manage the aftermath of suicide. Methods: We conducted a qualitative study in Gulu district, a post-conflict area in Northern Uganda. We conducted a total of four focus group discussions (FGDs) and 12 key informant (KI) interviews. KI interviews were conducted with community leaders, while the FGDs were conducted with members of the general population. We analysed the data by means of Grounded Theory. Results: Our findings indicate that rituals form a large part in managing suicide among the Acholi. Study communities practised distancing (symbolically and physically) as a way of dealing with the threat of suicide. Conclusion: Distancing was organized into two broad themes: affect regulation and securing future generations. It is recommended that public health interventions should utilize cultural institutions in the prevention of suicide.

War and HIV: Sex and gender differences in risk behaviour among young men and women in post-conflict Gulu District, Northern Uganda

2014 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 325-341 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sheetal Patel ◽  
Martin T. Schechter ◽  
Nelson K. Sewankambo ◽  
Stella Atim ◽  
Sam Lakor ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gender Differences ◽  
Young Men ◽  
Risk Behaviour ◽  
Northern Uganda ◽  
Sex And Gender ◽  
Men And Women ◽  
Post Conflict ◽  
Gulu District ◽  
And Gender ◽  
Sex And Gender Differences

scholarly journals Trachomatous Trichiasis (TT) management in Tanzania: a mixed method study investigating barriers and facilitators to obtaining treatment

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rebecca M. Flueckiger ◽  
George Kabona ◽  
Upendo Mwingira ◽  
Alistidia Simon ◽  
Jeremiah Ngondi
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Continuum Of Care ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Surgical Interventions ◽  
Mixed Methods Approach ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Key Informant ◽  
The Continuum ◽  
Trachomatous Trichiasis

AbstractBackgroundProlonged ocular Chlamydial infection, known as trachoma, can lead to trachomatous trichiasis (TT). TT is the stage of trachoma where the eyelid turns inwards, resulting in lashes rubbing against the cornea. TT can damage the cornea, leading to vision impairment or blindness. Treatment for TT includes epilation or surgery. Trachoma is targeted for elimination as a public health problem. One criterion of trachoma elimination is less than 0.2% prevalence of TT unknown to the health system in adults >= 15 years. There are several districts in Tanzania that have not attained this target.MethodologyWe selected six districts across three regions in Tanzania. Our mixed-methods approach included a retrospective review and analysis of program data and implementation of key informant interviews (KII) and focus group discussions (FGD).The desk review collated data on district-level indicators and generated estimates around number and proportion of cases not identified by case finders and cases lost along the continuum of care. KIIs and FGDs guides were structured to enlist responses around case finding techniques, linkage to services and TT surgery process.ConclusionWe found a substantial proportion (13%) of TT positive people were not being identified by case finders, and of those identified, majority (72%) were lost along the continuum of care. These factors likely contribute to high TT prevalence in districts where surgical interventions are ongoing. Engaging community leaders to share TT information and enlisting people who have received surgery to witness in communities may encourage consent of examination by case finders and increase surgical uptake. After witnessing positive effects of surgery, many interviewees who had previously declined surgery changed their mind. Increasing frequency of surgical camps would improve access to these populations. Additionally, giving more notice about surgical camps and extending duration is important to enable remote populations to obtain services.Author SummaryTreatment for trachomatous trichiasis (TT) includes epilation or surgery. There are several districts in Tanzania that have struggled to link people with TT to services. It is important for the program to understand why this is the case to inform program adaptations for improved linkage to services. We implemented a mixed methods approach to address this knowledge gap. We found a large portion of TT positive people are not being identified by case finders and of those identified, many are lost along the continuum of care. These factors are likely contributing to the unexpectedly high TT prevalence in districts where surgical interventions are ongoing. Barriers to identifying cases included remoteness, case finder credibility, knowledge of TT, and case finder motivation. Once cases are identified, the largest gap along the continuum of care is the link between being identified and screened. We found barriers to attending screenings and subsequently obtaining treatment to be fear of surgery, distance from surgical camps, agricultural season, time to plan, awareness and frequency of camps, and lack of assistance after surgery.

scholarly journals Water, sanitation, and hygiene for schistosomiasis prevention: a qualitative analysis of experiences of stakeholders in rural KwaZulu-Natal

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chanelle Mulopo ◽  
Moses J. Chimbari
Keyword(s):  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Theory Approach ◽  
Community Members ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Schistosomiasis Control ◽  
Sanitation And Hygiene ◽  
Kwazulu Natal ◽  
Key Informant ◽  
And Control ◽  
Grounded Theory Approach

Abstract uMkhanyakude District in KwaZulu-Natal province is one of the districts in the six provinces in South Africa where schistosomiasis is endemic. While it is well established that schistosomiasis is a public health problem in the district and that efforts to prevent and control the disease have been made, very little has been done to involve stakeholders in the implementation of water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) strategies for schistosomiasis control. Hence, this study sought to document current WASH practices and explore how engaging diverse stakeholders can contribute to the prevention and control of schistosomiasis. Qualitative data were collected through eight key informant interviews with community leaders, nurses, community caregivers, and pre-school teachers; and four focus group discussions with community members during the dry season. The study adopted a grounded theory approach. Data were analyzed using the six steps of thematic analysis. Findings show that the key players in the promotion of water, sanitation, and hygiene were not clearly defined. Although effective implementation, promotion, and adoption of WASH can be fully achieved with the involvement of various stakeholders, we found that there was a limited collaboration among WASH stakeholders.

scholarly journals Perceptions, attitude and use of family planning services in post conflict Gulu district, northern Uganda

2015 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Christopher Garimoi Orach ◽  
George Otim ◽  
Juliet Faith Aporomon ◽  
Richard Amone ◽  
Stephen Acellam Okello ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Family Planning ◽  
Northern Uganda ◽  
Family Planning Services ◽  
Post Conflict ◽  
Gulu District

scholarly journals Microfinance as a Strategy of Empowering the Conflict-Affected Communities in Sri Lanka

2018 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 6-21
Author(s):  
H.M.W.A. Herath
Keyword(s):  
Sri Lanka ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Educational Levels ◽  
Post Conflict ◽  
Key Informant ◽  
Activity Generation ◽  
Diverse Groups ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Very High

The objective of this paper is to assess the capability of microfinance as a tool of reconciliation through economic activity generation and empowerment in the conflict-affected communities in the Northern and Eastern regions of Sri Lanka. The principal data collection tools for this study were Focus Group Discussions and Key Informant Interviews. The impact of microfinance engagement is in varying degrees with certain areas and groups showing evidence of receiving more beneficial impacts compared to others. It also showed very high involvement of women and those women who are active namely, those from groups above the very poor and those who have comparatively better educational levels. We found that microfinance intervention has both tangible and also created other intangible benefits on clients. The post-conflict Northeastern region is not a monolithic entity and there are a number of diverse groups of potential beneficiaries with different needs, skills, capacities and opportunities. Therefore, microfinance initiatives need to consider these situations and develop their interventions accordingly.  

scholarly journals Perceptions of the Drivers of Sexual and Gender Based Violence in Post Conflict Northern Uganda

2013 ◽  
Vol 10 ◽  
pp. 84-102 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul Bukuluki ◽  
John David Kisuule ◽  
Alex Bagabo Makerere ◽  
Berit Schei ◽  
Johanne Sundby
Keyword(s):  
Northern Uganda ◽  
Gender Based Violence ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Female Partners ◽  
Post Conflict ◽  
Qualitative Approaches ◽  
Related Stigma ◽  
Gender Based ◽  
And Gender ◽  
And Control

This paper explores the perceived forms and drivers of sexual and gender based violence in post conflict settings with focus on Northern Uganda. It applied qualitative approaches primarily using in-depth interviews, focus group discussions and key informant interviews. Study findings revealed that although all forms of violence are perceived to be prevalent, physical and emotional violence were perceived to be the most occurring. Men were perceived to be the main perpetrators of violence. However, there were cases of men who reported to experience violence from women. Few men reported violence to authorities because it was perceived to be stigmatizing; such men would be perceived as weak in a patriarchal society that perceives ideal men to be strong and less susceptible to physical, emotional and sexual abuse. Early marriages are a major form of gender based violence which was perceived as normal in a number of communities despite the evidence that it contributes to negative social and reproductive health outcomes . Sexual violence cases in form of rape, defilement as well as incest were perceived to be on the rise in the sub-region. The study identified several drivers of SGBV including poverty, power imbalances in access to and control over resources, insecurity, blaming HIV infection on female partners, HIV related stigma and discrimination, alcohol and substance abuse

Doing Qualitative Research on Suicide in a Developing Country

Crisis ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 32 (1) ◽  
pp. 15-23 ◽  
Author(s):  
James Mugisha ◽  
Birthe Loa Knizek ◽  
Eugene Kinyanda ◽  
Heidi Hjelmeland
Keyword(s):  
Data Collection ◽  
Research Process ◽  
Ethical Challenges ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Qualitative Interview Study ◽  
Key Informant ◽  
Attitudes Toward Suicide ◽  
Cultural Responses ◽  
Community Access

Background: This article describes and discusses the challenges faced by researchers who conducted a qualitative interview study on attitudes toward suicide among the Baganda, Uganda. Many of the challenges addressed in this article have not been described earlier in suicide research conducted in the developing world. Aims: The aim of this study was to explore attitudes and cultural responses toward suicide among the Baganda, Uganda. Methods: Data were collected and analyzed using grounded theory. A total of 28 focus group discussions and 30 key informant interviews were conducted. Results: The findings of this study are organized under two broad categories: community access challenges and expectation challenges. Community access challenges entailed cultural, legal, rapport, informed consent, language, and other research process related issues that could hinder effective access to the study respondents. Expectation challenges concerned how to deal with the immediate and strategic needs of the study communities. Conclusions: This study demonstrates that culturally sensitive approaches to data collection can reduce ethical challenges and, through innovative approaches, practical challenges faced during data collection can be minimized.

scholarly journals Uganda’s response to sexual harassment in the public health sector: from “Dying Silently” to gender-transformational HRH policy

2021 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Constance Newman ◽  
Alice Nayebare ◽  
Stella Neema ◽  
Allan Agaba ◽  
Lilian Perry Akello
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Focus Group ◽  
Sexual Harassment ◽  
Health Sector ◽  
Depth Information ◽  
Second Phase ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Public Health Sector ◽  
Key Informant

Abstract Introduction Sexual harassment is a ubiquitous problem that prevents women’s integration and retention in the workforce. Its prevalence had been documented in previous health sector studies in Uganda, indicating that it affected staffing shortages and absenteeism but was largely unreported. To respond, the Ministry of Health needed in-depth information on its employees’ experiences of sexual harassment and non-reporting. Methods Original descriptive research was conducted in 2017 to identify the nature, contributors, dynamics and consequences of sexual harassment in public health sector workplaces and assess these in relation to available theories. Multiple qualitative techniques were employed to describe experiences of workplace sexual harassment in health employees’ own voices. Initial data collection involved document reviews to understand the policy environment, same-sex focus group discussions, key informant interviews and baseline documentation. A second phase included mixed-sex focus group discussions, in-depth interviews and follow up key informant interviews to deepen and confirm understandings. Results A pattern emerged of men in higher-status positions abusing power to coerce sex from female employees throughout the employment cycle. Rewards and sanctions were levied through informal management/ supervision practices requiring compliance with sexual demands or work-related reprisals for refusal. Abuse of organizational power reinforced vertical segregation, impeded women’s productive work and abridged their professional opportunities. Unwanted sexual attention including non-consensual touching, bullying and objectification added to distress. Gender harassment which included verbal abuse, insults and intimidation, with real or threatened retaliation, victim-blaming and gaslighting in the absence of organizational regulatory mechanisms all suppressed reporting. Sexual harassment and abuse of patients by employees emerged inadvertently. Discussion/conclusions Sex-based harassment was pervasive in Ugandan public health workplaces, corrupted management practices, silenced reporting and undermined the achievement of human resources goals, possibilities overlooked in technical discussions of support supervision and performance management. Harassment of both health system patients and employees appeared normative and similar to “sextortion.” The mutually reinforcing intersections of sex-based harassment and vertical occupational segregation are related obstacles experienced by women seeking leadership positions. Health systems leaders should seek organizational and sectoral solutions to end sex-based harassment and make gender equality a human resource for health policy priority.

Distancing: A traditional mechanism of dealing with suicide among the Baganda, Uganda

2011 ◽  
Vol 48 (5) ◽  
pp. 624-642 ◽  
Author(s):  
James Mugisha ◽  
Heidi Hjelmeland ◽  
Eugene Kinyanda ◽  
Birthe Loa Knizek
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Family Members ◽  
Future Generations ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Key Informant ◽  
Cultural Responses ◽  
Ritual Practices

This qualitative study investigated attitudes and cultural responses to suicide among the Baganda in Uganda using both focus group discussions and key-informant interviews. Interviews indicate that suicide is perceived as dangerous to the whole family and the entire community. Communities and family members adopt various ritual practices to distance themselves both symbolically and socially from the suicide. These rituals are characterized by broad themes: the regulation of affect and the attempt to secure future generations.

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