Exploring health dynamics in Tsakare Community, Mount Darwin District, Zimbabwe: A qualitative approach to education 5.0 driven interventions, 2024

Abstract

Introduction:Community engagement, a foundational pillar of Education 5.0, integrates academic institutions, societal ecosystems, and public health priorities to promote learning and holistic community wellbeing. Given the limited data on health challenges within the Tsakare community, this qualitative study investigated local health dynamics to inform evidence-based interventions. Methods: A cross-sectional qualitative study design employing participatory learning methodologies was implemented to involve community members actively in the research process. A combination of focus group discussions, in-depth interviews, and transect walks was utilised to collect data from a diverse sample of community members, health care providers, and local leaders. Thematic analysis was used to identify key patterns and themes. Results: The study identified four major domains influencing the Tsakare community health dynamics, including communicable and non-communicable diseases (NCDs), socio-cultural and health system challenges, sociocultural practices, including reliance on traditional medicine and poverty-driven childhood marriages, delayed health care access and increased STI/HIV prevalence. Poverty negatively affected girls’ health, education, and social development. The health system was constrained by limited resources, staffing shortages and poor infrastructure. Hypertension and diabetes, prevalent conditions exacerbated by poor awareness and diet, significantly increased the risk of cardiovascular disease, renal failure, and stroke. Additionally, substance abuse was identified as a critical driver of mental health issues, leading to increased crime rates and violence. Substance abuse was a prominent mental health concern, necessitating community-based interventions, public health strategies, and social support systems to address its underlying causes. Conclusion: Study findings imply the need for integrated public health strategies that strengthen the health system, implement targeted NCD and STI prevention programmes, launch culturally sensitive health education to address harmful practices, and establish community-based mental health and substance abuse interventions which align with Education 5.0, a framework for developing contextually relevant health solutions and empowering local institutions.