Gender dimensions of zoonotic disease transmission in northern Tanzania

Lead Research Organisation: University of Glasgow
Department Name: School of Geographical & Earth Sciences

Abstract

This PhD will focus on the gendered dimensions of knowledge of disease transmission between animals and humans, and perception of disease risk by different groups in Tanzania. Drawing on field research in Tanzania, the project will be attentive to interrelated social, cultural and economic dimensions of zoonotic disease, including: gender roles, power relations, access to resources and knowledge, decision-making and policy. The project is set within the context of the wider Zoonoses of Emerging Livestock Systems programme and will focus on 'One Health' approaches that consider human, animal and environmental health together.

Studentship Projects

Project Reference Relationship Related To Start End Student Name
BB/N503563/1 30/09/2015 29/09/2019
1855447 Studentship BB/N503563/1 30/09/2015 29/09/2018 Jennika Virhia
 
Description This research sought to add a critical lens to the notion of 'health seeking behaviour.' Studies on health related behaviours often place the locus of control within the individual, casting them as capable and rational agents who operate independently from their social contexts. The 'upstream' or 'distal' factors are often ignored in such approaches, yet have profounds impacts on the ways in which individuals experiences health and illness and, subsequently, the steps they take to remedy episodes this. Through using an in-depth ethnographic approach, this research allowed a detailed look into the health seeking behaviours livestock keepers undertake in response to both human and livestock febrile illnesses. In both cases, efforts to seek out both curative and preventative treatments are often hampered by insurmountable barriers in access to care i.e. through user fees, transport costs, diminishing social relations and systemic health system shortcomings. When situated within Tanzanian's socio-economic and historical context, many of these barriers can be traced back to changes in macroeconomic policy, primarily through the introduction of structural adjustment programmes and an increasing embrace of neoliberal governance. The experiences of participants in this research indicate that these historic shifts are still very much felt and embodied by people in the present day, e.g. delaying health seeking due to user fees at health facilities and relying on informally trained animal health experts due to retrenchment of extension services. This research highlights the need for health seeking and health related decision making to go beyond the individual and to consider the ways in which the wider socio-political environment comes to influence individual choice and agency. This is especially salient for health interventions which tend to focus on behavioural modifications to effect change in health outcomes.
Exploitation Route Findings may be taken forward by those looking to produce one health interventions among livestock keeping communities who are most at risk of contracting zoonotic illnesses.
Sectors Agriculture

Food and Drink

Communities and Social Services/Policy

Government

Democracy and Justice
URL http://theses.gla.ac.uk/79058/
 
Description Upon completion of my fieldwork I held two community 'one health' seminars within the villages I conducted my research. This involved taking the main findings of my research back to the community and inviting a veterinarian and public health officer to conduct an animal and human health seminar in each village for community members. The animal health seminar involved informing the community about the main ways in which to look after animal health and wellbeing - topics covered included: appropriate housing for animals; feed; and prevention and treatment of zoonotic and non-zoonotic diseases. Topics covered in the human health seminar included: hand sanitation and hygiene practices, food and nutrition and prevention of zoonotic diseases. Upon returning to the community to gain feedback from those who attended the seminar - 100% reported that they were extremely pleased with the information given to them in the seminar. 80% stated that they endeavour to act on recommendations given by the veterinarian and public health officers - such as regarding animals as akin to family members - to enhance productivity, as well as endeavouring to wash hands after contact with animal birthing materials, as well as using protective gear. Those who were not planning to act on the recommendations of the expert stated they were restricted by financial constraints, and also stated they would only act after seeing the positive effects of others doing so first.
Sector Communities and Social Services/Policy,Healthcare
Impact Types Societal
 
Description Community animal and human health seminars 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Local
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact Upon completion of my fieldwork I held two community animal and human health seminars within the village where I conducted my research. This involved taking the main findings of my research back to the community and inviting a veterinarian and public health officer to conduct an animal and human health seminar in each village for community livestock keepers. The animal health seminar involved informing the community about the main ways in which to optimise animal health and wellbeing - topics covered included: appropriate housing for animals; different types of feed and prevention and treatment of zoonotic and non-zoonotic diseases. Topics covered in the human health seminar included: hand sanitation and hygiene practices, food and nutrition and prevention of zoonotic diseases.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2017