"People here live in denial": A qualitative study of the pervasive impact of stigma on asthma diagnosis and care in Kenya and Sudan.

ABSTRACT: Epidemiological studies show a global increase in asthma, straining healthcare systems in low- and middle-income countries. There are multiple barriers to accessing diagnosis and treatment in Sub-Saharan African countries like Kenya and Sudan such as healthcare infrastructure, diagnostic tools, healthcare workers' capacities, and cost. Asthma can be well controlled using safe and cost-effective treatments such as inhalers. Stigma related to asthma negatively impacts treatment-seeking and adherence in higher-income settings, with limited information about such impacts in Sub-Saharan Africa. We conducted qualitative interviews and Focus Group Discussions in Kenya and Sudan to explore health systems aspects of diagnosis and management of chronic respiratory diseases. Participants included pat

SUBMITTER: Ahmed R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12707672 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature