Uncovering barriers to bilharzia prevention communication in Ugu district, South Africa

Abstract

Female Genital Schistosomiasis (FGS), commonly referred to as Female Bilharzia (FB), is aprevalent yet socially obscure disease. Caused by a waterborne parasite, it affects millionsof people all over the world. Although it is a global health concern, FB is more pervasive inSub-Saharan Africa. Motivated by the rapid response to treatment as demonstrated by ruralZimbabwean women, an organisation known as the FB Project conducted research exclusivelywith this group. Based in KwaZulu-Natal’s Ugu District (Port Shepstone), the FB Project soughtto raise an awareness of, to treat and ultimately eradicate the FB threat. This study investigatedthe most appropriate communication tools for achieving these goals. In 2012, in-depth semistructuredinterviews were conducted with a sample of 20 female teenagers from both rural andurban areas across the Ugu District. Their perceptions of this issue highlighted various sociocultural,economic and logistical constraints to effective FB communication. This paper exploresthese barriers and the implications they have for realising the project’s goals. The opinions thatare voiced by the participants underscore the value of adopting a participatory communicationapproach to addressing a health problem. The researcher’s observations are also integrated into thediscussion. The responses gathered from the participants were considered as recommendationsthat could support the design of a contextually-sensitive FB awareness campaign.