PREVALENCE OF SKIN-DISEASE IN RURAL TANZANIA AND FACTORS INFLUENCING THE CHOICE OF HEALTH-CARE, MODERN OR TRADITIONAL

Objectives: To determine the prevalence of skin disease in a rural Tan zanian community and to investigate the health-seeking behavior of thi s community. Design: The study was ill 3 parts: (1) 120 heads of house holds were interviewed to determine the factors that influence the fam ilies' health-seeking behavior; (2) the 800 members of these families were examined for evidence of skin disease; and (3) a focus group disc ussion was held with influential members of the community to get a bro ader view of health-seeking behavior. Setting: A rural village in the southwestern area of Tanzania. Individuals were interviewed and examin ed in their own homes. Results: A total of 34.7% of 800 villagers had one or more skin diseases, the most common of which were tinea capitis , tinea corporis, scabies, acne, and eczema. Modern and traditional he alth facilities were equally used, but heads of the households older t han 55 years who had never been to school and individuals who were not Christians favored traditional medicine. It was cheaper to go to a tr aditional healer, but modem medicine was thought to be more scientific .Conclusions: Skin disease was a problem in this village and was perce ived to be a problem by both individuals and the community. There is a need to assess the clinical and diagnostic skills of both modern and traditional health practitioners and to instigate a preventive health education program to eradicate the common infections and infestations.