scholarly journals Understanding Traditional Healing Practices and the Categories of Practices from Fijian iTaukei’s Perspectives

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (16) ◽  
pp. 9003
Author(s):  
Dan Frederick Orcherton ◽  
Maria Orcherton ◽  
Matthew Kensen
Keyword(s):  
Traditional Healing ◽  
Medical Systems ◽  
Way Of Life ◽  
Health Seeking ◽  
Community Members ◽  
Fiji Islands ◽  
Seeking Behavior ◽  
Common Illnesses ◽  
Traditional Healing Practices ◽  
Social Causes

This study takes an in-depth look at how traditional healing practices (THPs) are perceived by the iTaukei people living in villages and periurban areas in Fiji Islands. The research used both qualitative and quantitative knowledge/data gathered from six villages in Viti Levu, Fiji Islands, to determine, first, the perception(s) of THPs among the iTaukei; second, what THPs successfully survive and are still important to the iTaukei way of life; and third, what factors influence the iTaukei’s health-seeking behavior or choices between Western and traditional medical systems in their villages. Results confirm that the knowledge healers used to hold to cure common illnesses is now more dispersed and shared with community members; healers/elders’ roles in iTaukei villages are important for cultural–spiritual–social causes of illnesses, and for more complex cases, there are specialized iTaukei healers. Recommendations in the form of categories of practices are offered for practitioners to work more effectively and affectively with the iTaukei.

scholarly journals The Burden of Snakebite in Rural Communities in Kenya: A Household Survey

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gaby I. Ooms ◽  
Janneke van Oirschot ◽  
Benjamin Waldmann ◽  
Dorothy Okemo ◽  
Aukje K. Mantel-Teeuwisse ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Rural Communities ◽  
Preventive Measures ◽  
Household Survey ◽  
Life Time ◽  
Traditional Healers ◽  
Health Seeking ◽  
Community Members ◽  
Health Seeking Behavior ◽  
Seeking Behavior ◽  
Context Specific

Annually, about 2.7 million snakebite envenomings occur worldwide, primarily affecting those living in rural regions. Effective treatment exists but is scarce, and traditional treatments are commonly used. To inform context-specific policies in Kenya, this study aimed to determine the health-seeking behavior and the health, social, and economic burden of snakebites in rural communities. Nonprobability sampling was used to survey 382 respondents from four snakebite-endemic counties, from February to August 2020, using a structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, Fisher’s exact tests, binary logistic regressions, and Mantel-Haenszel tests were used for analysis. Life-time experience with snakebites included 13.1% of respondents who reported being personally bitten and 37.4% who reported knowing of a community member being bitten. Respondents reported death after a snakebite in 9.1% of bitten community members and in 14.6% of bitten family members. Risk of snakebite was not significantly associated with sex, educational level, or occupation. Snakebite victims were most often walking (38%) or farming (24%) when bitten. Of those bitten, 58% went to a health facility, 30% sought traditional treatment, and 12% first went to a traditional healer before visiting a facility. Significant differences existed in perceptions on the financial consequences of snakebites among those who had been personally bitten and those who had observed a snakebite. Most commonly mentioned preventive measures were wearing shoes and carrying a light in the dark. Community engagement, including engagement with traditional healers, is needed to reduce snakebites. This should be done through education and sensitization to improve used preventive measures and effective health-seeking behavior.

scholarly journals Perceptions of community members on tuberculosis and its effect on health-seeking behavior in Nigeria

2015 ◽  
Vol 4 ◽  
pp. 61
Author(s):  
O. Kusimo ◽  
R. Olukolade ◽  
A. Hassan ◽  
L. Okwuonye ◽  
K. Osinowo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Seeking ◽  
Community Members ◽  
Health Seeking Behavior ◽  
Seeking Behavior

scholarly journals Community Knowledge about Tuberculosis and Perception about Tuberculosis-Associated Stigma in Pakistan

Societies ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Syed Mustafa Ali ◽  
Naveed Anjum ◽  
Muhammad Ishaq ◽  
Farah Naureen ◽  
Arif Noor ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Measurement Tool ◽  
Perceived Stigma ◽  
Health Seeking ◽  
Community Members ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
Seeking Behavior ◽  
Contaminated Food ◽  
Clear Majority

Tuberculosis- (TB) associated stigma is a well-documented phenomenon with various factors, both individual and societal, manifesting its role in shaping health-seeking behavior and contributing to suboptimal TB care in Pakistan. The objective of this study was to assess TB-related knowledge and perceived stigma among community members. This was a cross-sectional survey using a convenience sample of 183 individuals recruited between October and December 2017. A validated stigma measurement tool developed by Van Rie et al. was adapted. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 20.0. A clear majority was aware that TB is curable disease and that it is transmitted by coughing. However, respondents also thought that TB spread through contaminated food, sharing meals, sharing utensils, and by having sexual intercourse with a TB patient. In addition, females, unemployed, and persons having less than six years of education were also more likely to associate stigma with TB. We found an association between the lack of knowledge about TB and perceived stigma. This study highlights the need for improved TB-related education among communities.

scholarly journals Community Perceptions of Person-Centered Maternity Care in Migori County, Kenya

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 ◽  
Author(s):  
Osamuedeme Odiase ◽  
Beryl Akinyi ◽  
Joyceline Kinyua ◽  
Patience Afulani
Keyword(s):  
Supportive Care ◽  
Maternity Care ◽  
Healthcare Services ◽  
Maternal Health Services ◽  
Community Perceptions ◽  
Health Seeking ◽  
Community Members ◽  
Seeking Behavior ◽  
Facility Birth

Background: Community perceptions of quality of maternal healthcare services—including Person-centered maternity care (PCMC)—influences the health-seeking behavior of women. Yet few studies have examined this quantitatively. This study aims to examine community perceptions of PCMC and its associated factors.Materials and Methods: We used data from a survey on community perceptions of PCMC in Migori County, Kenya conducted in August 2016. Community members were relatives or friends of women aged 15 to 49 years who gave birth in the 9 wk preceding the survey (N = 198). PCMC was measured using a 30-item scale with three sub-scales for dignity and respect, communication and autonomy, and supportive care. PCMC scores were standardized to range from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicative of higher PCMC. Descriptive, bivariate, and multivariate analyses were performed in STATA (version 14).Results: The average total PCMC score was 62 (SD = 15.7), with scores of 74, 63, and 53 for dignity and respect, supportive care, and communication and autonomy, respectively. Controlling for other factors, respondents who were employed and literate had higher PCMC perception scores than those who were less literate and unemployed. Respondents who rated their health as very good had higher PCMC perception scores than those who rated their health as poor. Female respondents who previously gave birth at a health facility had lower perceptions of dignity and respect than those with no prior facility birth.Conclusion: The findings imply that community perceptions of PCMC, particularly related to communication and autonomy, are poor. Given the effects of these perceptions on use of maternal health services, there is a need to improve PCMC.

scholarly journals “We know about schistosomiasis but we know nothing about FGS”: A qualitative assessment of knowledge gaps about female genital schistosomiasis among communities living in Schistosoma haematobium endemic districts of Zanzibar and Northwestern Tanzania

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (9) ◽  
pp. e0009789
Author(s):  
Humphrey D. Mazigo ◽  
Anna Samson ◽  
Valencia J. Lambert ◽  
Agnes L. Kosia ◽  
Deogratias D. Ngoma ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Schistosoma Haematobium ◽  
Qualitative Assessment ◽  
Health Seeking ◽  
Community Members ◽  
Urogenital Schistosomiasis ◽  
Health Seeking Behavior ◽  
Northwestern Tanzania ◽  
Seeking Behavior ◽  
Female Genital

Background Schistosoma haematobium causes urogenital schistosomiasis and is widely distributed in Tanzania. In girls and women, the parasite can cause Female Genital Schistosomiasis (FGS), a gynecological manifestation of schistosomiasis that is highly neglected and overlooked by public health professionals and policy makers. This study explored community members’ knowledge, attitudes and perceptions (KAP) on and health seeking behavior for FGS. Methods/Principal findings Using qualitative research methods—including 40 Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) and 37 Key Informant Interviews (KIIs)—we collected data from 414 participants (Males n = 204 [49.3%] and Females n = 210 [50.7%]). The study engaged 153 participants from Zanzibar and 261 participants from Northwestern Tanzania and was conducted in twelve (12) purposively selected districts (7 districts in Zanzibar and 5 districts in northwestern Tanzania). Most participants were aware of urogenital schistosomiasis. Children were reported as the most affected group and blood in urine was noted as a common symptom especially in boys. Adults were also noted as a risk group due to their involvement in activities like paddy farming that expose them to infection. Most participants lacked knowledge of FGS and acknowledged having no knowledge that urogenital schistosomiasis can affect the female reproductive system. A number of misconceptions on the symptoms of FGS and how it is transmitted were noted. Adolescent girls and women presenting with FGS related symptoms were reported to be stigmatized, perceived as having a sexually transmitted infection (STI), and sometimes labeled as “prostitutes”. Health seeking behavior for FGS included a combination of traditional medicine, self-treatment and modern medicine. Conclusion/Significance Community members living in two very different areas of Tanzania exhibited major, similar gaps in knowledge about FGS. Our data illustrate a critical need for the national control program to integrate public health education about FGS during the implementation of school- and community-based mass drug administration (MDA) and with improvement of water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) facilities.

scholarly journals The Power of Sugesti in Traditional Javanese Healing Treatment

2014 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 280-292
Author(s):  
Atik Triratnawati ◽  
Arsanti Wulandari ◽  
Tiara Marthias
Keyword(s):  
Phenomenological Approach ◽  
Modern Medicine ◽  
Traditional Healing ◽  
Ethnographic Study ◽  
Health Seeking ◽  
Traditional Treatment ◽  
Health Seeking Behavior ◽  
Form Of Life ◽  
Traditional Health Care ◽  
Seeking Behavior

This paper aims to explore the beliefs in society toward traditional healing regardless of the more accessible, affordable and improved modern health services. This ethnographic study was conducted in Yogyakarta in 2013-2014. Phenomenological approach was used to analyze the data using the theory of health seeking behavior as the guiding principle of this research. The main factor influencing Javanese communitys belief in traditional healing was the power of placebo effect. Placebo can arise from both the patient and the healer. Additionally, other factors such as compatibility between the patients and the healer, patients aversion to doctors therapy, and the fact that traditional treatment is cheaper, easier, and more effective than modern medicine were the main considerations for patients in choosing traditional treatment. The benefit of psychotherapy provided through traditional medicine is in the form of life advices or counseling. In addition, healers attentiveness in listening to patients complaints was also the main appeal of the traditional health care service.Tulisan ini mengupas kepercayaan masyarakat pada penyembuhan medis tradisional meski pelayanan kesehatan modern semakin mudah diakses, murah/gratis pembiayaannya serta ditingkatkan pelayanannya. Studi etnografis ini dilakukan di DIY tahun 2013-2014. Pendekatan fenomenologi digunakan untuk menganalisis data disertai teori health seeking behavior. Kunci kepercayaan masyarakat Jawa berobat ke penyembuh tradisional adalah pengaruh sugesti. Sugesti muncul baik dari penderita maupun penyembuh. Selain itu faktor cocok, takut dengan terapi dokter serta murah, mudah dan manjur juga menjadi pertimbangan pasien ke pengobatan tradisional. Manfaat psikoterapi berupa nasihat, wejangan maupun saran serta kemampuan penyembuh tradisional mendengar curahan hati pasien menjadi daya tarik lain pasien merasa cocok ke pengobatan non medis.

scholarly journals Health beliefs and health seeking behavior towards lymphatic filariasis morbidity management and disability prevention services in Luangwa District, Zambia: Community and provider perspectives

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (2) ◽  
pp. e0009075
Author(s):  
Patricia Maritim ◽  
Adam Silumbwe ◽  
Joseph Mumba Zulu ◽  
George Sichone ◽  
Charles Michelo
Keyword(s):  
Lymphatic Filariasis ◽  
Health Beliefs ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Health Facilities ◽  
Disability Prevention ◽  
Health Seeking ◽  
Community Members ◽  
Health Seeking Behavior ◽  
Provider Perspectives ◽  
Seeking Behavior

Background Morbidity management and disability prevention (MMDP) services are essential for the management of chronic stages of lymphatic filariasis (LF) infection. However, there is limited information on health beliefs and health seeking behavior towards MMDP services for LF in endemic regions of Zambia. This study sought to document health beliefs and health seeking behavior towards MMDP services for LF in Luangwa District, Zambia. Methods This was an exploratory qualitative study conducted with community members including LF patients, community health workers and healthcare providers. Data was collected through a series of four focus group discussions stratified by sex and 26 in-depth interviews. Data was analyzed by thematic analysis using NVivo software. Results The perceived causes of the chronic manifestations of LF included; contact with animal feces, use of traditional herbal aphrodisiacs (mutoto), witchcraft and sexual contact with women who were menstruating or had miscarried. LF patients opted to visit traditional healers before going to health facilities. Hydrocele patients were afraid of hydrocelectomies as they were thought to cause infertility or death. Very few community members were able to identify any home and facility-based care strategies for LF patients. Health system and cultural barriers to seeking healthcare included; long distances to the health facilities, lack of awareness of existing MMDP services, perceived costs of accessing MMDP services, gender and social norms, and fear of stigmatization. Conclusion Health seeking behavior for LF in the district is mainly driven by negative beliefs about the causes of the disease and lack of awareness of available MMDP services and homecare strategies. Lymphatic filariasis programs should promote strategies that seek to empower patients and community members with the required information to access and use the MMDP services at the health facilities, as well as adhere to self-care practices in their households.

scholarly journals Community Members and Dentist Perceptions for Oral Treatment Seeking Behavior in an Underprivileged Area: A Qualitative Study

2021 ◽  
pp. 282-288
Author(s):  
Sarah Moideen ◽  
Farzeen Tanwir ◽  
Saima Mazhar ◽  
Natasha Zaidi ◽  
Chander Kumar ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Oral Treatment ◽  
Oral Disease ◽  
Treatment Seeking ◽  
Free Access ◽  
Health Seeking ◽  
Community Members ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Seeking Behavior

Background: Antibiotic resistance affects generations. It is a major health issue. Resistance to antibiotics is on the rise globally. The absence of proper regulatory mechanism and free access to pharmaceutical agents have led to self-medication and inappropriate therapeutic and prophylactic prescription. Methods: Qualitative in-depth research was conducted using focus group discussions (FGDs) for data collection. The study was conducted in an underprivileged colony in Karachi, Pakistan. Community members and Dentist were part of the focus group discussion. Results: There were two major themes that emerged from the analysis. ‘Knowledge associated with common oral diseases and their consequences’ and ‘Home remedies and treatment seeking behavior’. The focus group discussions showed that the perceptions of community members and dentists was based on bad oral hygiene, lack of awareness of oral disease outcome and barriers in pursuing treatment by dentist There was a lack of Government healthcare facilities and poor professional attitudes and futile law enforcement regarding medicine dispensing and disposal. Conclusion: The value of this study is to understand the perceptions and determinants of health seeking behavior and recognize the reasons for use and misuse of antibiotics. There is a great need for Government intervention and inexpensive treatment for the masses.

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