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 |