Comparative Analysis of Rural Health Demographics in 2 East African Communities During Medical Camps: Volunteers’ Perspectives’

Malawian and Zambian governments have made efforts to improve healthcare for rural dwellers but possible differences or similarities in health demographics may inform targeted interventions and volunteers may have a greater role to play in improving health outcomes. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To compare of basic health and social demographics observed during 4-day medical camps in 2 rural communities in Zambia and Malawi to determine any significant differences or similarities. METHOD: About 12 and 10 local and international volunteers at medical camps (at a temporary rural health post or community hall) in rural Zambia and Malawi respectively treated 488 patients in total, with basic health and social demographic data collected and results analyzed. RESULTS: The mean age of patients seen in Malawi and Zambia were 34.5 and 38.9 years respectively, with 39% and 40% of patients in Malawi and Zambia respectively being within the 18 to 44 years age group, and mostly females (59.7% in Malawi and 65.7% in Zambia). Most were non-infectious diseases (97.3% in Zambia, 95% in Malawi), mostly musculoskeletal (17.0% in Malawi and 30.5% in Zambia), while medications prescribed were mostly analgesics (35.7% in Malawi and 29.9% in Zambia). Only a small proportion of patients were referred to local secondary facilities or district hospitals, 51 (28.7%) in Malawi and 59 (19.9%) in Zambia respectively. Chi square test shows a significant difference (P < .001) in diseases in both countries, but there was no statistically significant difference between the mean age of patients seen in both countries, using the independent t-test (P = .365). CONCLUSION: This study highlights statistically significant demographic differences between the 2 communities and possible reasons for these, and how volunteers’ roles in rural healthcare in the East African communities could be further evaluated.