Tungiasis Stigma and Control Practices in a Hyperendemic Region in Northeastern Uganda.

ABSTRACT: Neglected tropical diseases are known to be highly stigmatized conditions. This study investigates tungiasis-related stigma and control practices in the impoverished Napak District in rural northeastern Uganda, where tungiasis is hyperendemic and effective treatment is unavailable. We conducted a questionnaire survey with the main household caretakers (n = 1329) in 17 villages and examined them for tungiasis. The prevalence of tungiasis among our respondents was 61.0%. Questionnaire responses showed that tungiasis was perceived as a potentially serious and debilitating condition and that tungiasis-related stigma and embarrassment were common. Among the respondents, 42.0% expressed judging attitudes, associating tungiasis with laziness, carelessness, and dirtiness, and 36.3% showed c

SUBMITTER: McNeilly H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10144114 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature