Exploring Community Knowledge and Awareness of Emergency Medical Services in the Kweneng West Subdistrict, Botswana
Abstract:
In
rural Botswana, accessing to Emergency Medical Services (EMS) remains
challenging due to logistical, infrastructural, and awareness-related barriers.
This study aimed to explore community knowledge and identify specific needs
regarding Emergency Medical Services (EMS) in the Kweneng West Subdistrict
utilizing a qualitative descriptive approach. This study was conducted at
Letlhakeng village. In-depth interviews and focus group interviews were
conducted and triangulated data from 34 community stakeholders, including
healthcare providers, Village Development Committee (VDC) members, police
officers, and community workers. Purpose sampling was used to select the
participants for this study. The findings revealed significant gaps in
awareness and understanding. A substantial proportion of the participants were
unaware of the emergency contact numbers for EMS and often relied on informal
communication channels. Additionally, most participants reported receiving
information through health talks at the clinic, police stations and Kgotla
gatherings. The lack of formal EMS education contributed to misconceptions
about EMS services. These findings underscore the need for targeted
interventions to enhance community knowledge and awareness of EMS.
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