Authors:
Dr. Nan Shwe Nwe Htun | Mahidol Oxford Research Tropical Medicine Unit, Bangkok, Thailand | Thailand
Napat Khirikoekkong | Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Mae Sot, Thailand
Dr. Aung Pyae Phyo | Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Mae Sot, Thailand
Dr. Aye Sandar Zaw | Myanmar Oxford Clinical Research Unit, Yangon, Myanmar | Myanmar
Dr. Carlo Perrone | Chiang Rai Clinical Research Unit, Chiang Rai, Thailand
Dr. Koukeo Phommasone | Lao-Oxford-Mahosot Hospital Wellcome Trust Research Unit, Microbiology Laboratory, Mahosot Hospital, Vientiane, Lao People's Democratic Republic | Lao People's Democratic Republic
Dr. Aninda Sen | BRAC, Dhaka, Bangladesh
Dr. James J Callery | Mahidol Oxford Research Tropical Medicine Unit, Bangkok, Thailand
Prabha Sati
Anne Osterrieder | Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health Nuffield Department of Medicine, United Kingdom | United Kingdom
Dr. Phaik Yeong Cheah | Mahidol Oxford Research Tropical Medicine Unit, Bangkok, Thailand
Prof. Yoel Lubell | Mahidol Oxford Research Tropical Medicine Unit, Bangkok, Thailand | Thailand
Dr. Thomas J Peto | Mahidol Oxford Research Tropical Medicine Unit, Bangkok, Thailand
Introduction
Most cases of deaths go unrecorded in rural areas of lower income countries, yet this information is critical. Verbal autopsy studies certify deaths by interviewing a family member/caregiver about symptoms and circumstances of the deceased person. This method is potentially socially and ethically sensitive to individuals and communities. Thus, prior to study implementation, we aim to conduct community engagement to understand social and cultural beliefs and practices about death within different ethnic populations.
Methods
Participatory interactive workshops across five study countries (Bangladesh, Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, and Thailand) will be carried out between October 2021 and June 2022. Each workshop will involve a) focus group discussion in which participants can share their perceptions and traditional practices around deaths, and sensitive issues relating to verbal autopsy methods, and b) the body mapping approach; whereby the participants are asked to draw symbols/images to represent their fears, beliefs, and management experiences with deaths via combined visual and oral platforms.
Outcome
We will learn about local cultural and social norms about deaths which will help us how to approach the communities with the most acceptable way by knowing what is appropriate and what is not. The communities will also gain awareness of talking about someone’s fatal sickness can actually provide valuable information to prevent them from similar illnesses.
Conclusions
This community engagement activity will identify potential ethical challenges, increase public acceptance of the study methods, and strengthen the research quality so that it may improve understanding of the disease burden in the region.