Coping with malaria : Experiences of strategies for prevention and treatment in a village in Uganda

Abstract: Few studies regarding treatment seeking behaviour related to Malaria have been conducted in Uganda, and most of the studies regarding use of mosquito nets that have been conducted are quantitative. There is thus a need for qualitative studies for a deeper understanding of the complex issue of coping with malaria in a resource limited setting. The aim of this study is to understand sociocultural and structural factors influencing the coping with malaria in rural Uganda. Focus is on the local experiences, perceptions and hardships regarding seeking treatment for malaria and preventative measures like the use of mosquito nets. A theoretical framework based on Political ecology of health, with a focus on human agency, is used to analyse these issues. The village Nyakasojo in Kasese district was selected for a field study. The main source of information was open-ended interviews conducted in March 2020. The study showed that the main reason for not using mosquito nets was lack of access to nets and easily torn nets, rather than unwillingness to use mosquito nets. Further, the study showed that the unequal access to healthcare in combination with livelihood vulnerability forces people to wait before seeking treatment and/or taking half doses of antimalarials, probably leading to unnecessary malaria transmission. A more holistic approach to malaria control would be beneficial, including the aspect of treatment in addition to the present narrower focus on prevention.