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Table 2 PD causes, symptoms and prevention measures mentioned by FGDs participants

From: 'We call it the shaking illness': perceptions and experiences of Parkinson's disease in rural northern Tanzania

Cause

Symptoms

Prevention

Thinking deeply

Alcohol

Not eating food

Witchcraft

Curses

Head injury

Poisoning from farm produce, industry and traditional medicine

Cold

Smoking marijuana and other drug abuse

AIDS

Malaria

High blood pressure

Leg and arm tremor

Failing to work

Failing to walk

Cognitive impairment

Dysphasia

Losing energy

Walking short steps

Walking while bending

Body numbness

Stop thinking deeply

Early treatment

Refraining from using alcohol

Stop using medicines without proper direction

Stop using foodstuffs with chemicals

Stop hitting children on heads