Individual and community perceptions of surgical care in <scp>S</scp>ierra <scp>L</scp>eone

Abstract

Abstract Objectives To determine themes and beliefs that influence health‐seeking behaviour and barriers to accessing surgical care. Methods In January 2012 in W estern A rea P rovince of S ierra L eone, six F ocus G roup D iscussions ( FGD s) were conducted. The FDG s consisted of three male only and three female only groups in an urban, a slum and a rural setting. Researchers investigated a wide range of topics including definitions of surgery, types of surgical procedures, trust, quality of care, human resources, post‐operative care, permission‐seeking and traditional beliefs. Results Although many individual beliefs were expressed, common fears were as follows: becoming half human after surgery; complications from procedures; stigma from having a scar; and financial burdens resulting from the cost of care. Participants also expressed concern about the quality of the care available in S ierra L eone. Conclusions The concept of being half human after surgery, previously not documented in the literature, is noteworthy and should be explored more fully. Qualitative research in other parts of S ierra L eone and other LMIC s into beliefs of the local population could improve programmes for access and delivery of surgical care.