Aims: To assess the community’s views on the socioeconomic effects of primary pyomyositis to
patients, family, health facilities and community.
Study Design: A cross-sectional study design using qualitative research methods
Place and Duration of Study: Gulu Regional and other Hospitals in Northern Uganda from
September 2011 to November 2013.
Methodology: The study was conducted among patients with primary pyomyositis, next of kin,
health workers and opinion leaders on their views on the socioeconomic effects of pyomyositis. Key
Informant Interviews, Focus Group Discussions and In-depth Interviews were used to obtain
qualitative information. Ethical approval for the study was obtained from Gulu University IRB and
the National Council of Science and Technology (UNCS&T). Thematic content analysis was used
for analysis of this qualitative data
Results: Primary pyomyositis has several socioeconomic effects to patients, family, health facilities
and communities. The effects of the disease ranges from simple disability to inability to earn a living
thus deepening the economic status/crisis of individuals, families and communities. It creates series
of social problems that make local leaders become less useful to their communities and also sets-in
marriage related problems. Education of the school going children are usually affected leading to
school dropout.
Conclusion: There is a wide range of socioeconomic effects of primary pyomyositis to the
population of Northern Uganda and it is presented with a number of socioeconomic effects similar
to those chronic diseases such as HIV/AIDS.