Factors contributing to emerging infectious diseases: Findings from a qualitative study in Uganda

Most infectious agents implicated in newly emerging diseases have a non-human animal origin (zoonoses). Bats, primates and rodents have been most frequently implicated in the transmission of infections that have had severe impact on humans. Analysis of newly emerging zoonotic disease events from 1940-2004 revealed a significant increase in these events over time, related to factors including changing environments and global development patterns. The PREVENT Project (funded by USAID to help reduce transmission of emerging viruses from animals to humans) has conducted animal exposure studies in several countries, environments and groups of people to understand what factors place people at risk for such diseases. 

In October 2013, PREVENT conducted a qualitative study among two ethnic groups (Bakiga and Bafumbira) living in or using areas with semi-disturbed and disturbed ecologies in Kisoro District, Uganda.  We sought to understand differences in exposure to animals related to  landscapes  ethnicity, gender and age. Methods included individual interviews and focus group discussions employing a variety of participatory tools.

Findings indicate varying degrees of human interaction with key species - bats, primates, rodents – as well as other animals. The main activities associated with exposure include consumption, medicinal uses, crop fertilization and pest eradication. Cultural and social factors influencing exposure included religious beliefs, taboos, social roles, and legal issues. In addition to differences between ethnic groups and physical environments, the study determined that men, women and children have different types and levels of exposure that need to be addressed when developing interventions.