Qualitative assessment of caustic soda injury in Liberia

Objectives This study explored lye (caustic soda, sodium hydroxide) use in Liberia, knowledge about its risks and injury prevention programmes. Design A qualitative semistructured interview study. Setting Focus groups occurred in six Liberian counties between April and August 2016. Patients Two previously identified stakeholder groups included parents of children under 5 years and adults identifying as soap makers. Interventions Interview guides were written. Participants were recruited by convenience and snowball sampling. Transcribed audio-recorded discussions were analysed using the constant comparative approach. Main outcome measures Participants were enrolled until thematic saturation was reached. Results Ninety-six adults participated. Participants described how lye entered the home, its use, storage, lye-related injuries and treatments, and injury prevention programmes. Conclusions Lye is commonly used and stored in Liberian homes despite recognition of its danger. A successful injury prevention programme must interrupt this cycle and find programming and legislative change to which the community is receptive.