Using ethnographic film in tackling podoconiosis

Abstract

Background: Ethiopia has one of the worst podoconiosis rates in the world, affecting >1.5 million patients. We present our ethnographic film 'Tigist, the story of a girl with podoconiosis' and its potential use in tackling podoconiosis. Methods: We conducted visual ethnography, consisting of video-recorded participant observations and interviews with seven patients, three healthcare workers and two podoconiosis experts. Results: We acquired video recordings of social moments, the state of podoconiosis patients' bodies and minds, their emotions and the impact of poverty. Conclusions: Our film allows for an intensified understanding of patients' daily experiences with podoconiosis, potentially impacting care, awareness and medical teaching programs.