Health care in rural Uganda is multifaceted. It becomes evident, through reviewing the vast amount of literature covering the subject, that a comprehensive understanding of the health beliefs, barriers to healthcare access, and the intricate interplay of traditional medicine is essential to reduce the disparities in health outcomes currently seen in the region. This literature review aims to illuminate the nuanced landscape of health-related perceptions, geographical challenges, and socioeconomic disparities faced by rural Ugandans, with a particular emphasis on the influential role of traditional medicine.
Introduction →
By synthesizing select literature on the role of traditional medicine, cultural health beliefs, geography, and socioeconomic disparities, we can begin to understand the factors that shape health outcomes in these communities so that we may build a foundation for the development of targeted and culturally sensitive healthcare interventions, ultimately fostering improved health and well-being in rural Uganda.
Health beliefs play a pivotal role in shaping individuals' perceptions of well-being, illness and what type of intervention is appropriate. Cultural beliefs and traditional practices often intertwine with attitudes towards modern healthcare approaches (Okuga et. al, 2017; Musoke et al, 2014). This review will explore the traditional approaches to care employed by rural communities, examining how these practices coexist or conflict with biomedicine. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for developing healthcare interventions that are aligned with the local population's health perspectives and greatest needs.
Health Disparities
Access to quality health care for rural, poor Ugandans continues to be much poorer than urban or wealthy Ugandans. This issue persists despite vast amounts of research on the topic (Dowhaniuk, 2021; Kakama, & Basaza, 2022; Kiwanuka, et al., 2008; Musoke, et al., 2014). In 2000, the Uganda National Minimum Healthcare package was introduced to help reduce disparities due to socioeconomic status and has improved access to care in some rural areas, however it has been implemented inconsistently due to resource limitations, providing comprehensive care only at larger health centers and hospitals, leaving out rural areas (Kiwanuka, et al., 2008).
Both infectious and non-communicable disease incidence continues to rise among rural sub-Saharan populations (Dowhaniuk, 2021.) Maternal and infant mortality in rural Uganda is well above the threshold for the 2030 sustainable development goals (Okuga, et al., 2021). Increased use of health facilities by the poor have been proven to increase these disparities (Kakama, & Basaza, 2022), so finding solutions to access is a high priority. This seems like an oversimplification of the problem and other factors influence outside of socioeconomic status that play a larger role in access and should be considered when devising solutions to reducing health disparities.
