Understanding the Mothers of Children with Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus in Tanzania.

Objective: To identify if there are cultural, medical, educational, economic, nutritional and geographic barriers to the prevention and treatment of spina bifida and hydrocephalus.

Methods: The mothers of infants with spina bifida and hydrocephalus admitted to Muhimbilli Orthopaedic Institute, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania, between 2013 and 2014 were asked to complete a questionnaire. A total of 299 infants were identified: 65 with myelomeningoceles, 19 with encephaloceles, and 215 with isolated hydrocephalus.