Primary Pyomyositis: Its Socioeconomic Effects; A Community Overview. A Qualitative Study Design

Aims: To assess the community’s views on the socioeconomic effects of primary pyomyositis to patients, family, health facilities and community.
Study Design: A cross-sectional study design using qualitative research methods
Place and Duration of Study: Gulu Regional and other Hospitals in Northern Uganda from September 2011 to November 2013.
Methodology: The study was conducted among patients with primary pyomyositis, next of kin, health workers and opinion leaders on their views on the socioeconomic effects of pyomyositis. Key Informant Interviews, Focus Group Discussions and In-depth Interviews were used to obtain qualitative information. Ethical approval for the study was obtained from Gulu University IRB and the National Council of Science and Technology (UNCS&T). Thematic content analysis was used for analysis of this qualitative data.
Results: Primary pyomyositis has several socioeconomic effects to patients, family, health facilities and communities. The effects of the disease ranges from simple disability to inability to earn a living thus deepening the economic status/crisis of individuals, families and communities. It creates series of social problems that make local leaders become less useful to their communities and also sets-in marriage related problems. Education of the school going children are usually affected leading to school dropout.
Conclusion: There is a wide range of socioeconomic effects of primary pyomyositis to the population of Northern Uganda and it is presented with a number of socioeconomic effects similar to those chronic diseases such as HIV/AIDS.