Pneumonia
throat, pneumonia, asthma, diarrhea
DISEASE, PNEUMONIA, ASTHMA
Although participants were aware of the symptoms, and prevention techniques, many community members used the terms pneumonia and asthma interchangeably, signifying a significant gap in knowledge. Due to financial conditions and the predominant labor employment in TMK, most parents accepted noncompliance with routine preventive measures for their children. They identified that timely vaccination (mainly the pneumococcal vaccine) should be encouraged. Details are presented in Majority of the people in the community rely on treatment prescribed by doctors. Children are usually nebulized and given antibiotics depending on the severity of disease. However, allopathic treatment is supplemented by traditional remedies such as honey and applying balms on the throat and chest.Efforts have been made to reduce pneumonia related morbidity and mortality by providing free vaccination, increasing referrals and providing appropriate treatment at government hospitals. However, due to the lifestyle and employment conditions in rural TMK, pneumonia remains a prevalent issue for the community requiring further socially and culturally relevant interventions.There appeared to be similar levels of knowledge, practices and health seeking behaviors for both diarrhea and pneumonia in TMK, allowing the implementation of a common intervention to target both illnesses and improve outcomes in the community.