An Exploration of Social Predicaments Facing Children with Hydrocephalus: The Case Study of Muhimbili Orthopaedic Institute

The study on the exploration of social predicaments facing hydrocephalus children was carried out at Muhimbili Orthopaedic Institute in Dar es Salaam. The study was guided by four specific research objectives, finding out if the parents and community at large knew about hydrocephalus problem: identification of the problems faced by children with hydrocephalus; examination of societys’ response towards families with hydrocephalus; and determination of possible social work interventions. A sample size of 85 respondents was used. Data collection was carried out using interviews, questionnaires, observations and documentary studies. The data were analyzed using Statistical Packages for Social Science (SPSS) software and thematic analysis. The study found that the people in the communities did not know about the hydrocephalus problem. The findings also revealed that the following challenges and predicaments were faced by children with hydrocephalus: Neglect, threat of being killed, living in isolation hidden and discriminated. Women often faced divorce or separation from their husbands. There was a drastic decline in family income, low society awareness as well as limited support from the community and Government. The study found that social workers and medical staff do not provide adequate education to communities on the problem due to limited funds. It was also found that the prevalence of hydrocephalus is very high among children in Tanzania. Early medical interventions greatly enhance the quality of lives of the children. The study recommends increased public awarenes education, erection of special social infrastructure, economic support, enabling social workers and village leaders to help families with hydrocephalus children