Qualitative assessment of caustic soda injury in Liberia

Abstract

Objectives: This study explored lye (caustic soda, sodium hydroxide) use in Liberia, knowledge about its risks and injury prevention programmes.

Design: A qualitative semistructured interview study.

Setting: Focus groups occurred in six Liberian counties between April and August 2016.

Patients: Two previously identified stakeholder groups included parents of children under 5 years and adults identifying as soap makers.

Interventions: Interview guides were written. Participants were recruited by convenience and snowball sampling. Transcribed audio-recorded discussions were analysed using the constant comparative approach.

Main outcome measures: Participants were enrolled until thematic saturation was reached.

Results: Ninety-six adults participated. Participants described how lye entered the home, its use, storage, lye-related injuries and treatments, and injury prevention programmes.

Conclusions: Lye is commonly used and stored in Liberian homes despite recognition of its danger. A successful injury prevention programme must interrupt this cycle and find programming and legislative change to which the community is receptive.

Keywords: global health; paediatrics; qualitative research; toxicology.