E ISSN: 2583-049X
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International Journal of Advanced Multidisciplinary Research and Studies

Volume 2, Issue 5, 2022

Rural Ivorian populations confronted with Buruli Ulcer: A case study in the health area of Bediala, Centre - West, Côte d’Ivoire



Author(s): Kone Moussa, Adjet Affouda Abel, Kouassi Yao Akissi Hadassa

Abstract:

Despite the decline in Buruli ulcer (BU) cases in Côte d'Ivoire, the Bédiala health area in the Daloa health district continues to be an endemic area with cases discovered each year. In such a context, what are the therapeutic and adaptation responses to the living environment of the populations in this endemic health area ? The objective of this study is to question the resilience that populations develop in the face of BU. Methodologically, this study adopts a mixed approach. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected from patients, former patients, health personnel, traditional therapists, relatives of patients and former patients. Questionnaires, interview guides, observation grids and cameras were used to collect data.

The results allow us to note that BU affects different parts of the body of people with a dominance in the lower limbs (68.33%). The urban health center is the only official institution for the fight against BU. The absence of a support structure for people affected and of associations to fight has been noted. In terms of resilience, the use of self-medication, the abandonment of UHC, the use of traditional therapists and the isolation of the patient are the behaviors described by the victims and their parents. At the professional level, the patients continue their activities. On recovery, professional retraining was observed in some former patients, however 78.96 % retained their activity.


Keywords: Buruli Ulcer, Resilience, Strategy, Bediala, Daloa

Pages: 690-698

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