Fear and rumours regarding placental biopsies in a malaria-in-pregnancy trial in Benin.

ABSTRACT:

Background

A multi-country, community-based trial on scheduled screening and treatment for malaria in pregnancy was conducted in Benin, The Gambia and Burkina Faso. Despite standardized procedures and outcomes, the study became subject to rumours and accusations of placenta being sold for mystical and financial gain by trial staff, leading to drop-out rates of 30% and the consequent halting of placental biopsy sampling in Benin. This paper explores the role of socio-cultural beliefs related to placenta and identified additional factors contributing these rumours.

Methods

A qualitative comparative emergent-theory design was used to assess social factors related to trial implementation and uptake in the three countries. Data from participant observation, informal conversations

SUBMITTER: Compaore A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6238265 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature