Music and Dance in respiratory disease management in Uganda: A qualitative study of patient and healthcare professional perspectives

IntroductionMusic and dance are increasingly used as adjunctive arts-in-health interventions in high-income settings, with a growing body of research suggesting biopsychosocial benefits. Such low-cost, low-resource interventions may have application in low-resource settings such as Uganda. However, research on perceptions of patients and healthcare professionals regarding such approaches is lacking. MethodsWe delivered taster music and dance for chronic respiratory disease (CRD) sessions to patients and healthcare professionals. We then conducted an exploratory qualitative study, using thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews with the healthcare professionals and patients regarding i) the role of music and dance in Ugandan life and ii) the perceived acceptability and feasibility of using music and dance in CRD management in Uganda. ResultsEleven patients with long-term respiratory conditions and eight healthcare professionals were interviewed after selection by purposeful convenience sampling. Four key themes were identified from (interview) analysis: Music and dance: 1) were central components of daily life; 2) had an established role supporting health and wellbeing; 3) had strong therapeutic potential in respiratory disease management; 4) the importance of modulating demographic considerations of culture and religion, and age. ConclusionMusic and dance are central to life in Uganda, with established roles supporting health and wellbeing. These roles could be built on in the development of music and dance interventions as adjuncts to established components of CRD disease management like pulmonary rehabilitation. Through consideration of key contextual factors, and co-development and adaptation of interventions, such approaches are likely to be well received. Summary Box: Key QuestionsO_ST_ABSWhat is already known?C_ST_ABSMusic and dance are increasingly being used as adjunctive components of CRD management in high resource settings, with a growing body of research suggesting such approaches are effective, well-received, and can be delivered at low cost. However, the perceptions of patients and healthcare professionals about potential application of such approaches in low-resource settings, such as Uganda, is not known. What are the new findings?Music and dance have central roles in the social, religious and cultural life in Uganda, including a clear view that participation supports both collective and individual health and wellbeing. In this study, both healthcare professionals and patients saw great potential for the use of music and dance as interventions for people with CRD, and highlighted important factors for consideration for successful implementation. What do the new findings imply?Music and dance interventions for people with long-term respiratory conditions in Uganda are likely to be accepted with enthusiasm due to the existing role of such activities in daily life. Delivery is likely to be feasible, but interventions would need to be co-developed with patients, their family members, and healthcare professionals, considering a number of key factors. Suggested approaches to address these considerations are provided. More generally, this study highlights how genuine co-design processes can provide valuable insights into health intervention development.