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Table 5 Summary of key findings and implications for public awareness and education activities to reduce rheumatic heart disease in Zambia

From: Epidemiology of pharyngitis as reported by Zambian school children and their families: implications for demand-side interventions to prevent rheumatic heart disease

Findings

Implications

Sore throat is perceived to be common in children and adolescents in Zambia

Public awareness messaging does not need to establish that sore throat is a problem locally; rather, the focus can be on validating public perception and educating on best practices for clinical management

Parents/guardians and children have differing perceptions of the frequency of sore throat in children in Zambia

Improved parent/guardian awareness may be needed to ensure vigilance in surveillance for sore throat in children

Sore throat is reported more frequently in girls in Zambia compared with boys

Investigators should explore potential cultural influences during educational activities involving families and providers

Sore throat in children in Zambia is commonly not assessed by a skilled practitioner, which risks sub-optimal treatment

Educating the public on need to seek skilled care for assessment of pharyngitis is a main priority

Some children in Zambia have signs of potential bacterial pharyngitis while attending school

There may be potential opportunity to improve capability at schools to detect and manage sore throat