Beliefs and perceptions towards congenital anomalies in Dilla town, Gedeo Zone, Southern Ethiopia; a qualitative study.

Introduction: Morbidity and mortality associated with congenital anomalies are higher in low-income countries. People's knowledge, beliefs, and attitudes towards congenital anomalies vary from community to community. In some communities, it is believed to be untreatable and the burden remains devastating. Studies addressing the societal perspectives were scarce, therefore this study aimed to explore beliefs and perceptions in the community about congenital anomalies.

Methodology: This study was conducted in Southern Ethiopia, Dilla town from September to November 2023. A qualitative study with a community-based exploratory study design was implemented. A total of 33 participants who were selected conveniently among permanent residents of Dilla town were included. Data were collected using face-to-face in-depth interviews and focus group discussions. The collected data were transcribed verbatim and translated into the English language. Data analysis was implemented thematically using Open Code 4.03 software. Finally, the result was presented descriptively based on the themes that emerged. Trustworthiness was ensured throughout the data analysis.

Result: In this study, most participants poorly understood congenital anomalies. God's punishment, curse, parents' sin, magical practices and evil spirits, illness, lack of pregnancy care and contraceptive pills were the believed causes of congenital anomalies. The burden of congenital anomalies dismantles the social, economic, and psychological dimensions of the life of parents. In addition, the study identified attitudinal variations and doubts about treatment outcomes and prevention strategies of congenital anomalies.

Conclusion: This study highlights that people's perceived knowledge, beliefs, and awareness of congenital malformations were limited to socio-cultural and religious roots. Understanding beliefs and perceived knowledge would be significant in planning risk-reduction strategies. Hence health education, behavioral change communications, and information dissemination strategies should be strengthened at each community level.