Psychosocial Impact of Buruli Ulcer: a Qualitative Study Exploring Patient Experience in VIctoria, Australia
1
1 Barwon South West Public Health Unit, Barwon Health, Geelong, Australia
2
4 School of Health and Social Development, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
3
3 Centre for Innovation in Infectious Disease and Immunology Research, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
4
5 Department of Infectious Diseases, Barwon Health, Geelong, Australia
5
2 Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation (IMPACT), School of Medicine, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):A636
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION:
Buruli ulcer (BU) is a rare necrotising skin infection caused by Mycobacterium ulcerans. Treatment typically requires eight weeks of antibiotics, with surgery required for extensive disease. Diagnostic delays and severe side-effects associated with antibiotic treatment are common. The psychosocial impact of BU has been investigated in low- and low-middle-income countries. With increasing case numbers and expanding endemic regions in Australia, there is a need for a qualitative study to explore the experiences of individuals with BU in Australia.
METHODS:
A qualitative study using semi-structured interviews was conducted with participants who received treatment for BU. Purposive sampling was used to recruit study participants. Participants resided and received care in Victoria, a known BU-endemic region in Australia. The study was loosely based on descriptive phenomenology. Iterative inductive coding was undertaken to develop a code book which was then organised into broader themes across the patient journey.
RESULTS:
Interviews were conducted with thirteen patients. Two major themes were identified: Limited awareness of BU complicates the diagnostic journey; and loss of independence during active treatment and enduring psychosocial impacts. Six subthemes were identified and loosely mapped across the patient journey. Diagnostic delays, the burden of treatment, particularly antibiotic side-effects, and the enduring psychosocial impacts post treatment negatively impacts patient experience.
CONCLUSIONS:
Ongoing work to increase awareness of BU is needed, with a focus on prevention strategies in the community and education of health care practitioners in both endemic and non-endemic areas. Further research exploring shorter and more tolerable treatment is recommended.
Buruli ulcer (BU) is a rare necrotising skin infection caused by Mycobacterium ulcerans. Treatment typically requires eight weeks of antibiotics, with surgery required for extensive disease. Diagnostic delays and severe side-effects associated with antibiotic treatment are common. The psychosocial impact of BU has been investigated in low- and low-middle-income countries. With increasing case numbers and expanding endemic regions in Australia, there is a need for a qualitative study to explore the experiences of individuals with BU in Australia.
METHODS:
A qualitative study using semi-structured interviews was conducted with participants who received treatment for BU. Purposive sampling was used to recruit study participants. Participants resided and received care in Victoria, a known BU-endemic region in Australia. The study was loosely based on descriptive phenomenology. Iterative inductive coding was undertaken to develop a code book which was then organised into broader themes across the patient journey.
RESULTS:
Interviews were conducted with thirteen patients. Two major themes were identified: Limited awareness of BU complicates the diagnostic journey; and loss of independence during active treatment and enduring psychosocial impacts. Six subthemes were identified and loosely mapped across the patient journey. Diagnostic delays, the burden of treatment, particularly antibiotic side-effects, and the enduring psychosocial impacts post treatment negatively impacts patient experience.
CONCLUSIONS:
Ongoing work to increase awareness of BU is needed, with a focus on prevention strategies in the community and education of health care practitioners in both endemic and non-endemic areas. Further research exploring shorter and more tolerable treatment is recommended.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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