Healthcare practitioners' knowledge of snakebite management and associated factors in high-burden, low-resource settings in Uganda

Wafula, Solomon Tsebeni; Mugume, Innocent B.; Namakula, Lydia Nabawanuka; Nalugya, Aisha; Naggayi, Vencia; Walekhwa, Abel Wilson; Musoke, David

doi:10.1093/trstmh/trad015

Cited by 2 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 20 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Order By: Relevance

“…Moreover, most facilities do not have antivenom and drugs for supportive treatment, which compromises the quality of snakebite care. While other countries have identified factors such as inadequate regulatory framework, limited funding, and high hospital costs as barriers to effective snakebite management, no such studies have been done in Uganda [ 8 , 14 ]. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the perspectives of healthcare workers on the management of snakebites, including the challenges and opportunities for improving the situation.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Barriers and opportunities for improving management of snakebites: Perspectives of healthcare workers in Northern Uganda

Wafula,

Namakula,

Ninsiima

et al. 2023

PLoS ONE

Self Cite

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Background Snakebites are a neglected public health problem that pose a significant burden on affected individuals and communities in many sub-Saharan African countries, including Uganda. However, the barriers and facilitators to snakebite management within healthcare settings are not as well understood and well-documented. The aim of this study was to explore the experiences and perspectives of healthcare workers involved in handling snakebite incidents at individual and health system levels in Arua and Gulu districts in Northern Uganda. We sought to understand how healthcare workers manage snakebite cases, what challenges they encounter, and what opportunities they perceive for improvement. Methods We conducted a qualitative study using in-depth interviews with 18 healthcare workers from different cadres, seniority levels, and facility types. We used iterative thematic analysis to explore the management procedures, challenges, and opportunities for snakebite management. Using thematic analysis, we identified the overarching themes and subthemes related to snakebite management and associated barriers and opportunities. Results The main barriers to snakebite management identified by healthcare workers were inadequate knowledge and skills; limited availability of antivenom; lack of protocols for snakebite management; delayed treatment-seeking for patients; and poor referral systems. The main opportunities for improvement were regular in-service training; increasing public education and awareness about snakebite prevention and management; and increased funding and research. Conclusion This study highlights the need for interventions to address the identified barriers while leveraging the existing opportunities to enhance snakebite management in Uganda. Specifically, we recommend the provision of regular training and support to healthcare workers, developing clinical guidelines, and improving the availability of antivenoms.

show abstract

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Barriers and opportunities for improving management of snakebites: Perspectives of healthcare workers in Northern Uganda

Wafula,

Namakula,

Ninsiima

et al. 2023

PLoS ONE

Self Cite

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

Treatment and treatment outcomes of snakebite envenoming in Uganda: a retrospective analysis

Nanyonga,

Matafwali,

Kibira

et al. 2025

Transactions of the Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Background Snakebite envenoming is a neglected tropical disease that causes significant morbidity and mortality in rural sub-Saharan Africa. However, there is a notable lack of data concerning the management and treatment outcomes for those affected. This study addresses this gap by examining the management and treatment outcomes of snakebite victims in Uganda. Methods We reviewed retrospective data of 532 snakebite cases attending 16 Ugandan health facilities from January 2017 to December 2021. Demographic characteristics and clinical data were extracted from patient records and summarized using descriptive statistics. Results The snakebite victims had a median age of 26 y, most were male (55.3%) and had bites of unidentified snake species (92.3%). Among the 465 treated patients, 71.6% received antibiotics, 66.0% hydrocortisone, 36.3% analgesics and only 6.9% antivenom. No adverse antivenom reactions were documented. The majority (89.5%) were discharged; 1.3% died and 5.5% had unknown outcomes. Conclusions These results suggest that snakebite envenoming affects vulnerable Ugandans, particularly young males and children. Treatment is primarily supportive, with antibiotic overuse and infrequent antivenom administration. Health provider training on appropriate snakebite management is needed to optimize outcomes.

show abstract

Healthcare practitioners' knowledge of snakebite management and associated factors in high-burden, low-resource settings in Uganda

Cited by 2 publications

References 20 publications

Barriers and opportunities for improving management of snakebites: Perspectives of healthcare workers in Northern Uganda

Barriers and opportunities for improving management of snakebites: Perspectives of healthcare workers in Northern Uganda

Treatment and treatment outcomes of snakebite envenoming in Uganda: a retrospective analysis

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About