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Determinants of secondary prophylaxis for childhood rheumatic heart disease in Ethiopia: A qualitative study of children and caregivers

Rheumatic heart disease remains a major public health challenge in Ethiopia, particularly among children. Monthly intramuscular benzathine penicillin G is the cornerstone of secondary prophylaxis, yet adherence and delivery are suboptimal. This study explores the lived experiences of children and adolescents with RHD, capturing their direct voices and those of their caregivers to understand determinants of secondary prophylaxis uptake.

Citation:
Birru EM, Batty KT, Manning L, Enkel SL, Moore BR. Determinants of secondary prophylaxis for childhood rheumatic heart disease in Ethiopia: A qualitative study of children and caregivers. Plos One. 2026;21(5). 

Keywords:
Rheumatic heart disease; prevention; control; penicillin G benzathine; therapeutic use; injections; epidemiology; drug therapy; Ethiopia

Abstract:
Rheumatic heart disease remains a major public health challenge in Ethiopia, particularly among children. Monthly intramuscular benzathine penicillin G is the cornerstone of secondary prophylaxis, yet adherence and delivery are suboptimal. This study explores the lived experiences of children and adolescents with RHD, capturing their direct voices and those of their caregivers to understand determinants of secondary prophylaxis uptake.