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'It is the child with the big head' – Primary healthcare providers' perceptions of paediatric hydrocephalus in Blantyre, Malawi: A qualitative study.

Authors :
Aukrust, Camilla G.
Kamalo, Patrick D.
Finyiza, Gertrude
Mula, Chimwemwe
Chapweteka, Blessings A.
Fjeld, Heidi E.
Manda-Taylor, Lucinda
Source :
Global Public Health; Jan2023, Vol. 18 Issue 1, p1-17, 17p
Publication Year :
2023

Abstract

Children in Africa are disproportionately burdened by the neurosurgical condition hydrocephalus. In Blantyre, Malawi, paediatric hydrocephalus represents the majority of surgical procedures performed in the neurosurgical department at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital. To reduce morbidity and mortality, timely detection followed by referral from surrounding primary health centres is crucial. Aiming to explore perceptions and identify enablers and barriers to detection and referral, we conducted a qualitative study among primary healthcare providers (n = 30) from ten health centres in Blantyre district. Using a semi-structured interview-guide, we audio-recorded and transcribed the interviews before conducting a thematic analysis. One main finding is that there is a potential to improve detection through head circumference measurements, which is the recommended way to detect hydrocephalus early, yet healthcare providers did not carry this out systematically. They described the health passport provided by the Malawian Ministry of Health as an important tool for clinical communication. However, head circumference growth charts are not included. To optimise outcomes for paediatric hydrocephalus we suggest including head circumference growth charts in the health passports. To meet the need for comprehensive management of paediatric hydrocephalus, we recommend more research from the continent, focusing on bridging the gap between primary care and neurosurgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
17441692
Volume :
18
Issue :
1
Database :
Complementary Index
Journal :
Global Public Health
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
174160617
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1080/17441692.2023.2276242