FACTORS INFLUENCING THE MANAGEMENT AND PREVENTION OF FUNGAL SKIN INFECTIONS AMONG CHILDREN UNDER THE AGE OF 5 SEEKING HEALTH CARE AT KAJANSI HEALTH CENTRE IV. A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY.

Andrew Cohen Bbaale; Suubi  Nalubega; Francisco Ssemuwemba; Jane Frank  Nalubega

doi:10.51168/sjhrafrica.v5i3.1034

Authors

Andrew Cohen Bbaale School of Clinical Medicine, Mildmay Institute of Health Sciences.
Suubi Nalubega School of Clinical Medicine, Mildmay Institute of Health Sciences.
Francisco Ssemuwemba School of Clinical Medicine, Mildmay Institute of Health Sciences.
Jane Frank Nalubega Mildmay Institute of Health Sciences.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51168/sjhrafrica.v5i3.1034

Keywords:

Management and Prevention, Fungal Skin Infections, Health Care, Kajansi Health Centre IV

Abstract

Purpose

This study assessed factors influencing the management and prevention of fungal skin infections in children under 5 years seeking care at Kajansi Health Centre IV in Uganda.

Objectives

The objectives were to examine caregiver knowledge, attitudes, and practices; health system-related factors; and social demographic factors impacting fungal infection prevention and management.

Methods

A cross-sectional study design was utilized. Data was collected through interviews with 100 caregivers of children under 5 with fungal skin infections at Kajansi Health Centre IV. A systematic random sampling technique was used to select participants from health center records. Structured questionnaires covering caregiver experiences, health system factors, and demographic details were administered.

Results

The Highest proportion (40) of the respondents were caretakers of children in a range of 1-2 years with the lowest observed among 5 years. Knowledge gaps among caregivers regarding causes, transmission, severity, and prevention. Variable attitudes were found, with concerns about stigma but also misconceptions of mildness. Health system weaknesses existed in workforce capacity, medication supply, and prioritization of fungal infections. Poverty, rural residence, and young age emerged as demographic factors increasing infection risk and care access barriers. Long waiting times, medication stock-outs, and financial limitations were commonly cited health system barriers.

Conclusions

Targeted education, health system strengthening, and tailored interventions for high-risk groups are necessary to address identified knowledge, attitudinal, and health system limitations negatively impacting fungal infection prevention and management.

Recommendations

Recommendations include developing national guidelines designating fungal infections as a priority issue; integrating caregiver education into outreach; ensuring consistent medication availability; improving rural access through outreach; establishing community initiatives to address financial barriers; and strengthening health workforce capacity.