Caught between fear and tradition: parental knowledge, beliefs and emergency responses to paediatric snakebites in rural Sri Lanka.

Abstract

Background: Paediatric snakebite remains a critical yet underexplored public health issue in rural Sri Lanka, where children are particularly vulnerable due to ecological exposure, limited access to timely care and entrenched traditional beliefs. While biomedical advancements exist, parental knowledge, cultural practices and systemic barriers significantly shape prehospital responses and outcomes.

Methods: This qualitative exploratory study employed 10 focus group discussions with 70 parents (45 mothers, 25 fathers) from snakebite-endemic rural communities in the Ampara and Polonnaruwa Districts. Participants were purposively selected, including those with direct or indirect exposure to snakebite incidents. Data were collected using a semistructured guide and analysed thematically, following Braun and Clarke's six-phase framework. Themes were validated through member checking and intercoder agreement.

Results: Five interrelated themes emerged: (1) pervasive fear and psychological burden associated with snakebite risk, (2) fragmented and inconsistent knowledge of envenomation symptoms and first-aid, (3) environmental and structural vulnerabilities such as unsafe housing and proximity to snake habitats, (4) strong adherence to traditional beliefs and ritual practices and (5) a high demand for culturally tailored education and systemic support. Many parents employed harmful first-aid methods due to inherited practices and a lack of formal training. Despite challenges, participants expressed strong willingness to learn and adopt evidence-based strategies.

Conclusions: Effective paediatric snakebite prevention and management require context-specific, culturally sensitive interventions that address both knowledge gaps and structural barriers. Engaging with local belief systems and improving healthcare accessibility are essential for reducing snakebite-related morbidity and mortality among children in rural Sri Lanka.