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. 2023 Sep 23;33(1):31.
doi: 10.1038/s41533-023-00354-7.

A cross-country qualitative analysis of teachers' perceptions of asthma care in sub-Saharan Africa

Kimesh Loganathan Naidoo  1 , Sindisiwa Dladla  2 , Reratilwe Ephenia Mphahlele  2 , Gioia Mosler  3 , Sophie Muyemayema  4 , Andrew Sentoogo Ssemata  5   6 , Elizabeth Mkutumula  7 , Olayinka Olufunke Adeyeye  8   9 , Olayinka Goodman  8   9 , Yetunde Kuyinu  8   9 , Rebecca Nantanda  10   11 , Emmanuel Addo-Yobo  12 , Sandra Kwarteng Owusu  12 , Bernhard Arhin  12 , Ismail Ticklay  4   13 , Hilda Angela Mujuru  4 , Jonathan Grigg #  3 , Refiloe Masekela #  2
Affiliations

A cross-country qualitative analysis of teachers' perceptions of asthma care in sub-Saharan Africa

Kimesh Loganathan Naidoo et al. NPJ Prim Care Respir Med. .

Abstract

Asthma is the most common chronic respiratory disease among school-going adolescents worldwide. However, the burden of severe asthma is highest in Sub-Saharan Africa. This study aimed to explore teachers' perceptions of asthma care across six African countries. We conducted focus group discussions (FGDs) using a semi-structured interview guide. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed thematically. FGDs were conducted in Kumasi(Ghana), Blantyre (Malawi), Lagos (Nigeria), Durban (South Africa), Kampala (Uganda), and Harare (Zimbabwe) between 01 November 2020 and 30 June 2021. We identified two key themes related to asthma care; barriers to asthma care and suggestions to improve the care of adolescents with asthma. Barriers reported by teachers included a lack of knowledge and skills among themselves, adolescents, and caregivers. In addition, some traditional beliefs of teachers on asthma exacerbated challenges with asthma care in schools. Regarding suggestions, most teachers identified a need for all-inclusive asthma training programmes for teachers, adolescents and caregivers, focusing on acute episodes and mitigating triggers. Utilising teachers with personal experiences with asthma to advocate and support these initiatives was suggested. Further suggestions included the need for annual screening to enable early identification of adolescents with asthma and clarify restrictions on teachers administering asthma medications. Teachers across African schools identify multiple barriers to asthma care. Structured school education programs and annual asthma screening are key to addressing some barriers to care.

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Conflict of interest statement

The author(s) declare that they have no financial or personal relationship(s) that may have inappropriately influenced them in writing this article. The funder did not influence the results and compiling of the manuscript. J.G. reports personal fees from GSK, personal fees from Vifor Pharmaceuticals, personal fees from Novartis, personal fees from BV Pharma, and personal fees from AstraZeneca outside the submitted work. R.M. reports consultancy and advisory board membership from AstraZeneca, Boehringer, and Organon.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1. Coding tree and relationships of the various themes identified.
Themes on asthma care dervied from the data includes major themes barriers to asthma care and suggestions to improve asthma care with associated sub-themes and their respective minor themes indicated in each panel.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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