Attitudes and Perceptions of a Musical Intervention "Iculo Ngenyoka" for Snakebite Awareness in Swaziland: A Qualitative Study
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Investigator: Liam Erickson, MS
Sponsor: Global Health Sciences Education
Location(s): Swaziland
Description
In Eswatini, rural populations experience unnecessary snakebite inflicted injuries and deaths. Children are at the highest risk because of their small size and curious nature. This qualitative study explores the current knowledge and attitudes about snakebite, and the perceptions of a musical intervention, titled Iculo Ngenyoka (“Snake Song” in Zulu), as an educational tool aimed to raise awareness about snakes in the Lubombo region, Eswatini.
Semi-structured interviews with 56 community members, parent/guardian/key informant (n=11), and children aged 7-17 years old (n=45) were conducted between May-June 2018. Participants were selected from four communities within the Lubombo region. Data were analyzed using a framework analysis approach.
The current sources of snake education evolved from information learned in the homesteads, schools, and personal experiences. The majority of interviewees perceived music as a culturally appropriate, engaging, and memorable method to learn about snakes. The song was perceived as an effective tool to raise awareness about snakes in the community.
Mentored by Matthew Lewin
Iculo Ngenyoka - Snake Song - on You Tube