Health education in Jinja, Uganda

A community-based health care program in Uganda is described. Perceived learning needs of a group of adults with 3-4 years of elementary school education were assessed and prioritized. A decision was made to teach a few subjects in depth as opposed to many superficially after hearing the large amount and type of topics requested. Teaching sessions included practical applications based upon the availability of materials and local practices and beliefs. Basic needs, such as the need for food and water, were continuously addressed. Traditional ways of healing were only encouraged when these did not endanger health. Teaching a group of adults with limited knowledge of anatomy or physiology was a challenge that demanded simplification of complex problems and the use of interventions that were sometimes unusual.