Maasai Community Perception of Oral Thrush: A Qualitative Study

Aim: To determine perception and understanding of oral thrush among Maasai women of reproductive age (WRA), Traditional Birth Attendants (TBAs), village leaders and health care workers in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA).
Study Design: Cross sectional, qualitative research.
Place and Duration: Three villages namely; Olbalbal, Misigiyo and Alelilai in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, between March 2013 and September 2014.
Methodology: We included women of reproductive age (210), village leaders (5), Traditional Birth Attendants (TBA) (13) and health care providers (18). Data was collected using focus group discussions among Traditional Birth Attendants and village leaders, interview for women of reproductive age and health care providers.
Results: The community recognizes that oral thrush is a problem among pregnant and lactating Maasai women. According to the Traditional Birth Attendants and village leaders, it is believed that oral thrush came with the modern use of western medication as opposed to their traditional medications used earlier. They stated that their way of life has changed significantly causing these problems. Most WRA say oral thrush is a problem, but they do not know the cause. However, health care providers know that oral thrush is a problem with some knowing the causes and associated risk factors in the Maasai community.
Conclusion: There appears to be an information gap between community members and health care providers with respect to the causes of oral thrush in women of child-bearing age in Ngorongoro Conservation Area. It is noted that TBAs are important to rectify this deficit, because if they understand the problem they can influence changes. Results from this research work can inform more effective health promotion initiatives and interventions.