64. Family Caregiver Perspectives on Barriers and Facilitators in the Care of Pediatric Injury Patients at Two First Sites of Care in Northern Tanzania: A Qualitative Study
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Background Pediatric injuries are a leading cause of death and disability globally, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). In Tanzania, primary health facilities often provide initial care for injured children but face challenges limiting timely and effective management. Understanding healthcare providers’ perspectives is essential to improving assessment, stabilization, and referral. Methods This qualitative study explored healthcare providers’ perspectives on barriers, facilitators, and potential interventions to improve pediatric injury care at first sites of care in Northern Tanzania. Four focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted with 31 healthcare providers involved in pediatric injury management at Pasua Health Centre and Hai District Hospital. Discussions explored five domains: pre-hospital care-seeking decisions, initial assessment, stabilization, disposition decision-making, and referral processes. Audio recordings were transcribed, translated from Kiswahili into English, coded, and thematically analyzed. Results Pre-hospital delays resulted from transport constraints, financial barriers, and family decision-making. Facility-level assessment and stabilization were hindered by the absence of standardized triage systems, limited pediatric-specific training, and shortages of essential equipment. Disposition and referral challenges included poor communication with higher-level facilities, unreliable transport, and caregiver reluctance due to costs. Proposed interventions included community education, dedicated referral communication lines, and standardized referral documentation. Implementation challenges included resource limitations and inconsistent leadership engagement. Conclusion Healthcare providers at first sites of care in Northern Tanzania face substantial barriers to timely pediatric injury management. Targeted interventions, including community education, improved referral communication, and standardized processes, are needed to strengthen early stabilization and coordination of care for injured children.
Language: English
Subfield: Emergency Medicine
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,140
OpenAlex ID: W7225878664
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