Communications by the ministry of health to help reduce the prevalence of stroke and improve its management : a case of Lusaka, Zambia
Connor and colleagues have pointed out that the impact of stroke on lower income countries has drawn significant attention and attracted the need for quick intervention and deliberate policy on creating awareness about this health problem. Research on the matter has revealed that the sure way to curb this condition is by availing information to the public about stroke and how it can be prevented, treated and managed (Connor, Walker, Modi & Warlow, 2007, pp.269-278). As a low-income country, Zambia has not been spared by stroke, and the aim of this study was to specifically assess the health communication strategies used by the Ministry of Health (MoH) in creating awareness about stroke in Lusaka urban. Research methods used were quantitative survey with 102 respondents, one focus group discussion, and four in-depth interviews with Stroke and health communication experts at the MoH. Data was collected from respondents in Kabwata, Kabulonga and Chaisa townships in Lusaka. Research tools used in data collection were questionnaires and interview schedules for in-depth interviews and a focus group discussion. The key findings showed that 1) The incidence of stroke has increased in Zambia, but awareness levels on risk factors, treatment and management are low; 2) There has been no deliberate communication strategy, or policy on stroke in Zambia; 3) As the main source of health information, the Ministry of Health has not done much in creating awareness on stroke, especially on the media; 4) The Ministry of health has identified the need for an urgent response to non-communicable diseases and have started conducting research and mobilising resources to help sensitise the public about stroke; and 5) Information on the prevalence, prevention, treatment and management of stroke is key to alleviating or reducing its incidence in the country. In conclusion, it was found that despite the public being alive to the rising incidence of stroke as seen in data collected in both the qualitative and quantitative survey, there is a lot of ignorance with regards risk factors, treatment and management of stroke. The Ministry of Health needs to come up with deliberate communication strategies to mitigate the prevalence and impact of stroke in Zambia. It is therefore recommended that the ministry, with urgency starts sensitising the public using multiple communication channels. There is also need to involve other stake holders and consider different audience needs in this effort.
Stroke--etiology, Stroke--Communication strategies.
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