Stigma and Socioeconomic Burden of Buruli Ulcer in Ga West

Abstract

Background: Since its emergence in the 1980s, there has been a poor understanding on Buruli ulcer. Till date, its rudimentary ways of spread is not known. At present, the main mode of treatment remains operation. However, studies have shown that explicit antibiotics could aid in the control of the condition. Though the rate of death is low, the disease often causes debilities, which requires prompt attention especially in endemic areas. Objective: To assess the scale of stigma and socioeconomic burden associated with BU in Ga West District, Greater Accra region. Methodology: A descriptive cross sectional design was used to assess the health seeking behavior of BU patients as a result of the stigma and socioeconomic burden of the disease. Data was collected over two-month period and a total number of 100 participants were selected from OPD unit at Ga West municipal hospital by using simple random sampling technique. Descriptive statistics such as means ± SD, cross-tabulations, tables, frequency and percentages was used to describe demographic characteristics of the study population. A total of five (5) in-depth interviews (IDIs) was conducted. Results: The proportion of patients suffering from Buruli ulcer was 55.0% and was higher among patients aged between 36-45 years (29.0%). There was no significant difference in stigma scores among patients who sought traditional/herbal treatment and patients that sought treatment from the hospital (p>0.05). Coping strategies adopted by affected individuals include selling their assets and borrowing monies from friends and families to fund their medical bills. There was no significant association between socio-economic determinants and health seeking behaviour of Buruli Ulcer patients (p>0.050). Conclusion: Socioeconomic burden and social stigma cause delay in obtaining treatment