Burden of disease and barriers to the diagnosis and treatment of group a beta-hemolytic streptococcal pharyngitis for the prevention of rheumatic heart disease in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania

Pediatr Infect Dis J. 2010 Dec;29(12):1135-7. doi: 10.1097/inf.0b013e3181edf475.

Abstract

To understand patient and clinician attitudes toward Streptococcus pharyngitis and rheumatic heart disease prevention in Tanzania, data from 3 sources were obtained: a survey of 119 clinicians, outpatient rapid test screening, and interviews with 17 rheumatic heart disease patients. Patients do not seek care for sore throat. Clinicians stated that identifying and treating Streptococcus pharyngitis is not prioritized.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Attitude of Health Personnel*
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Female
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Patient Acceptance of Health Care
  • Pharyngitis / complications*
  • Pharyngitis / diagnosis
  • Pharyngitis / drug therapy
  • Rheumatic Heart Disease / prevention & control*
  • Streptococcal Infections / complications*
  • Streptococcal Infections / diagnosis
  • Streptococcal Infections / drug therapy
  • Tanzania
  • Young Adult