To explore the acceptability of fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) among healthcare providers and patients in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, emphasizing both groups.
Key Findings:
Healthcare providers showed willingness to prescribe FMT if evidence of efficacy and safety is provided.
Patient acceptability of FMT varied from unconvinced to accepting, indicating a continuum of perspectives.
Interventions are needed to enhance acceptance, such as marketing FMT as standard medication and obtaining endorsements from religious leaders.
Interpretation:
FMT may be acceptable for both healthcare providers and patients in Addis Ababa, but targeted strategies, such as educational campaigns and community engagement, are necessary to improve acceptance among certain groups.
Limitations:
Limited generalizability due to the qualitative nature of the study and specific context of Addis Ababa.
Potential biases in participant selection and responses during focus group discussions, as well as cultural factors that may influence perceptions.
Conclusion:
The study highlights the need for educational and promotional efforts to increase the acceptance of FMT in Ethiopia, particularly among skeptical patient groups.
by Brandie Banner Shackelford, Kiya Kedir, Ahmed Babiker, Bizunesh Sintayehu, Abel Abera Negash, Alemseged Abdissa, Workeabeba Abebe Taye, Eyob Beyene, Michael H Woodworth, Monique M Hennink
