Somali Knowledge Attitude Practices Study (KAPS) - EthnoMed

Stomach-ache was also noted as a major concern of ill health in infants during the first 3 days of
life in all livelihood zones and was associated with the safety of water and sugar that children are
fed on soon after birth as well as ignorance on infant feeding.
Data from all livelihood zones also indicated that measles, intestinal parasites and skin infections,
common cold and malnutrition were also reported to be common among children from six months
of age. Whooping cough was also reported in some parts of Southern Somalia.
Reported Causes of Diseases in South Central Somalia
Poor hygiene and sanitation, contaminated water and mosquitoes were the three major causes of
diseases in South Central Somalia as reported by participants in this study.
Frequent episodes of diarrhoea, intestinal worms and skin infections were attributed to poor
hygiene and sanitation, indiscriminate disposal of faecal matter, flooding as well as use of
contaminated water and food. Mosquito bites and stagnant water which encouraged mosquito
breeding were reported to be the main cause of malaria, particularly during and following the
rainy seasons. The major reported causes of diseases in different livelihood zones in SCZ are as
shown on Table 5.
Table 5: Reported Causes of diseases by livelihood zone in SCZ
Reported Cause of Diseases Proportions (%) of Reported causes of Diseases by Livelihood Zones
Pastoral (n*=51) Agro-pastoral (n=46) Riverine (n=37)
Poor Hygiene & Sanitation 31 41 16
Weather Condition 8 17 5
Inadequate Food 2 4 8
Air Born/Virus 8 7 14
Contaminated Water & Food 15 7 10
Mosquitoes 20 17 24
Others (Cow milk, lack of 4 - 11
breastfeeding Common Cold)
Unknown Cause 8 7 3
*n =is the total number of times all causes of disease across all age-groups within a particular
livelihood zone were mentioned by respondents.
Among the pastoralists, the cause of diarrhoea during hot seasons, for example, in Gedo Region,
is believed to be consumption of sorghum, cow’s milk and mutton; hence children are prohibited
from consuming these foods in hot seasons.
Data from all livelihood zones indicated that all types of illnesses which are not well understood,
including strong malaria, are believed to be caused by the evil eye (Wal koraad).
According to respondents from the pastoral communities, stomach ache experienced by children
during the first 3 days of life was believed to be caused by the water and sugar mixture that
children are fed on soon after birth. Mothers therefore tend to withdraw use of water and sugar
feeds as soon as they notice that the child might be suffering from stomach ache. In urban areas,
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