Themes

Subthemes

Categories

Example narrative and codes

1. Awareness related factors

Health seeking behaviour

Poor compliance

“There is a significant delay in seeking treatment of leptospirosis in the district” (MOH)

Myths and beliefs

“Some people still believe myths related to communicable diseases such as rat bites will cause leptospirosis and it is a once in a life time disease” (PHI)

Poor knowledge on symptoms

“Many were unaware of the signs and complications of leptospirosis as well as early medication will reduce the severity and complications of the disease” (MOH)

Poor knowledge on high risk occupations

“Majority of the population think that the only way of getting leptospirosis was by being a paddy farmer" (Agricultural Officer)

2. Income related factors

Barriers in healthcare access

Poor financial status

“There are some people who do not want to lose their daily income as they are the bread winners of the family. So they keep on taking paracetamol without going to a hospital” (Farmer; a representative from Govesamithi)

Themes

Subthemes

Categories

Example narrative and codes

3. Health service-related factors

Health services at community level

Not satisfied with the services available for non-intervention and prevention of leptospirosis at community level

“There should be awareness programmes in regular intervals and some kind of a weekly reminding of the need of prevention of Leptospirosis throughout the paddy cultivating season” (Farmer; ICU treated recently recovered from leptospirosis, delayed presented to the hospital)

Poor knowledge on disease non-intervention

“Awareness on wound hygiene and prophylaxis of leptospirosis was unsatisfactory among the farmers” (MOH)