Provided by the Springer Nature SharedIt content-sharing initiative. Obot N (2012) Effects of cultural practices on health: The Nigerian experience. A. Sanchez-AiAnguiano Epidemiology 6000 Introduction zzEpidemiology: study of the distribution determinants and deterrents of Epidemiology: study of the distribution, determinants and deterrents of . Disease etiologies in non-western medical systems. Exploring the rigging claims in Nigeria's . We will also share examples on how these common beliefs provide explanation as cause of illness and its implications in our genetic counseling profession. . document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Sagar Aryal is a microbiologist and a scientific blogger. CAS Proceedings of the First National Conference on the Revision of National Health Policy. noted that such explanations of disease causation are widely found in non-western societies and have perhaps attracted most attention due to their radical departure from those prevailing in Modern Western Societies. Additionally, the authors thank Mr. Teshager Shiferaw for his help in data collection and early coding. However, others acknowledge that indigenous medicine should be embraced as an important part of health care systems in indigenous communities [35]. We will also share examples on. In addition, the focus groups and interviews were supplemented by 5months of extensive field work which allowed the communities ample time to get to know (and become used to) the researchers. J Allergy Clin Immunol Pract. 13. Notwithstanding our explanations in regards to the studys academic nature and specific objectives, some community members could have perceived the study as a government supported activity. Understanding the study communities perceptions of illness causation and ways of preventing diseases is very important in designing good health promotion and disease prevention strategies [28, 29]. 4. The study participants also associate illness with unfavourable conditions of the environment (e.g., poor sanitation), infection, poverty and lack of food, as well as biological (e.g., aging, genetics) and psychological causes such as stress and worry. The germ theory of disease came to the forefront, supplanting the earlier theories of disease causation. A historical overview of traditional medicine practices and policy in Ethiopia. New York: Oxford University press; 2012. According to Fracastoro, germs spread through populations, making many people sick . According to the Tehuledere Woreda Information Office (TWIO), the Woreda covers an area of 45,800 ha with a population of 152,107. These small organisms, too small to see without magnification, invade humans, other animals, and other living hosts. In-depth understanding of disease causation aids in planning prevention and steps to tackle the disease in a population. commun.). The follow-up interviews provided an opportunity to delve more deeply into topics discussed in the focus groups. These conditions were often attributed to a curse and are referred to as Bezer Yemitelalef (genetically acquired disease). Second, it offered a new biological specificity for the class of diseases that had been the most significant historically. After teaching microbiology for more than four years, he joined the Central Department of Microbiology, Tribhuvan University, to pursue his Ph.D. in collaboration with Helmholtz-Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS), Saarbrucken, Germany. GERM THEORY Germ theory: Microbes (germs) were found to be the cause for many known diseases. Personalistic Causes State Department guidelines note that staff with confirmed brain injuries from the disease are eligible for over $180,000 (150,000) each. The respondents in the present study perceived that supernatural forces were the most important cause of ill health. Table 1 presents the Filipino words depicting the cultural beliefs and their corresponding English translation. Negative correlation is when an increase in A leads to a decrease in B or vice versa. TeleFax +91-581-2302188. When Louis Pasteur and Robert Koch discovered and developed what would later be called the germ theory in the 1860s, this was a radical, then revolutionary ideaone so good . He attended St. Xaviers College, Maitighar, Kathmandu, Nepal, to complete his Master of Science in Microbiology. New York: Macmillan Publishing Co.; 1970. p. 31527. These discoveries and a host of others at the turn of the century marked a turning point in our aetiological concepts. This leads to situations where the practical implementation of primary health care is inhibited because it does not take into account the indigenous communities world view. Careers. He was also faced with the challenge of being perceived as a powerful individual due to his position as a member of the elite and a senior university lecturer. Soc Sci Med. If we see someone leave home at the wrong time, we say he is going to bring affliction [Male, Study Community # 4]. Click here to review the details. This finding, especially the link between lying and ill health may be relatively unique to this cultural setting. Free access to premium services like Tuneln, Mubi and more. The second approach emphasizes the concept of multicausality and derives its popularity largely from the study of the diseases of industrialized societies. Yehya NA, Dutta MJ. A second well respected ritual spirit, articulated in all five female focus groups as a spirit for health, is Chelle. Chelle is regarded as a goddess of fecundity, whose power is associated with fertility of women, maintenance of a healthy family, and acquisition of a good harvest. The health extension workers also helped to select 96 participants for 10 focus group discussions and 20 individuals (two from each focus groups) were selected purposively for follow-up individual interviews based on their demonstrated knowledge and ability to describe their experiences in the focus groups. Social change theory was used in this paper. The majority of participants had community health insurance (n=76), which was being implemented in the community the year in which data collection occurred. Foster GM. Our study provides an excellent example of why health education and primary health care delivery interventions need to take into account what people actually do and the beliefs that drive their actions. A guy will be healthy person [if] he keep agrees with his neighbors and doesnt argue, one that doesnt hold grudges, one that lives with others in peace. The study employed a qualitative ethnographic method informed by Murdocks Theory of Illness. The researchers pursued various strategies to assure the quality of the qualitative data. Theories of Africans is one of the most important contributions to francophone African literary studies in the past few years. Exploring the rigging claims in Nigeria's elections I have never gone to modern health centers. 1983;17(16):120511. They were very similar to the focus group participants in their demographic characteristics. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders. When Western biomedical practitioners overlook, or scorn the supernatural convictions held by group individuals they risk distancing the very individuals they look to treat. Wadaja lately assumed a much more modified and purposive role of combating the zar, buda or other supposedly spirit afflicted illnesses [Male, Study Community # 2]. Data were analyzed thematically using narrative strategies. A. Health is primarily that state in which these constituent substances are in the correct proportion to each other, both in strength and quantity, and are well mixed. germ theory, in medicine, the theory that certain diseases are caused by the invasion of the body by microorganisms, organisms too small to be seen except through a microscope. New York: Wiley; 1978. 2006;20(2):12734. Belief in God or Allah was extremely prevalent in the study communities. Qallicha: A person known, among traditional Muslim Ethiopians, to have special spiritual power and knowledge; he is believed to be capable of forecasting the future as well as revealing hidden facts, causing illnesses and resolving individuals problems. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2001. WHO. Winkelman M. Culture and health: applying medical anthropology. The emphasis on culture in our genetic counseling training recognizes its crucial role in molding an individual's conceptualization of health, as well as other life aspects, especially since the Filipino culture is a mixture of indigenous as well as imported and borrowed elements. Soc Sci Med. FOIA Research has linked social isolation and loneliness to higher risks for a variety of physical and mental conditions: high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, a weakened immune system, anxiety, depression, cognitive decline, Alzheimer's disease, and even death. Qualitative content analysis was used. In-depth understanding of disease causation aids in planningprevention and steps to tackle the disease in a population. He worked as a Lecturer at St. Xaviers College, Maitighar, Kathmandu, Nepal, from Feb 2015 to June 2019. Traditional healing and primary care: a socio-cultural study in a rural Tehuledere community, North-Eastern Ethiopia. Development over the centuries of Human Civilization concepts of disease causation remained transforming and still not reached the perfection. Atkinson S, Haran D. Individual and district scale determinants of users satisfaction with primary health care in developing countries. In: Fox JP, Hall CE, Elveback LR, editors. doi:10.2105/ajph.11.10.908. [Female, Study Community # 5]. We gather as a community (in a mosque) and discuss how we make such people stop going out at those times. Why Covid lab-leak theory is so disputed. They speak Amharic, Ethiopias official language. 2022 Oct 14;19(20):13217. doi: 10.3390/ijerph192013217. Soc Sci Med. Ethiop J Health Dev. Kassaye KD, Amberbir A, Getachew B, Mussema Y. American journal of public health. Tap here to review the details. Google Scholar. What are the cultural theories of disease causation in nigeria Theories of disease causation..ppt 1. The .gov means its official. There are 23 Kebeles (the smallest local administrative unit) administered by the Woreda, including 19 rural, 2 urban and 2 semi-urban towns. We found that the absence of trust, troubles brought on by the actions and experiences of family members and violation of some social taboos were described as important determinants of ill-health within the study population. The practice of epidemiology. Bookshelf Just as members of a society work together to fulfill a society's needs, culture exists to meet its members' social and personal needs. A high level of its acceptance was responsible for the progress in fathoming the nature of diseases leading to a significant decline in the proliferation of diseases. Antibiotic alternatives in veterinary therapeutics. Germ theory of disease was proposed by Louis Pasteur. Triangulation of different data collection techniques including focus group, semi-structured interview data, observations and informal interviews with study participants was a strength of the study. Many of the participants in the study specifically related poverty and lack of appropriate food to ill health. These two ideas were fully appreciated . Following introductory discussions with community leaders/representatives, ten focus group discussion sessions (one all male and one all-female in each kebele) were conducted. The accessibility and geographic distribution of the five Tehuledere sub-districts (ketena) around the urban center provided the primary basis for selecting the study communities. All focus group discussions and interviews were conducted, audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim in Amharic. 2015;29(2):12736. Until now, the literature about the theoretical underpinnings of illness causation research has been scarce and fragmented, and lacking a convenient summary. Permission to conduct the participant observation in the communities was provided by the heads of the health facilities. As predominantly rural Woreda, most inhabitants rely on farming. For the study communities, a culture of social trust was central to their identity, and they believed this was directly connected to the health of the body. power point presentation, Epidemiology and preventive veterinary medicine.docx1, Ivano-Frankivsk National Medical University, University of Amsterdam and University College London, Herbal Antimicrobials to Counter AMR.pptx. This theme does not appear in Murdocks model. For the followers of indigenous faith, ones health status is not balanced without the nature-spirit connection. He died from Parkinson's disease in 2014, aged 85. . Pain occurs when one of the substances presents either a deficiency or an excess, or is separated in the body and not mixed with others. Why Covid lab-leak theory is so disputed. A successful integrated primary health care strategy should include strategies for supporting patients needs in all three of these domains. They also articulated the role of natural causes and social relationships in maintaining good health. Head of Epidemiology Division, Indian Veterinary Research Institute. In addition to that, diseases may be communicable or non-communicable. Webs of Causation: Epidemiological concept. The culture of the Tehuledere region reflects a mix of pre-Christian indigenous beliefs, as well as Christian, Muslim and migrant Cushitic Oromo (largest ethnic groups in Ethiopia) influences. Perhaps one of the more interesting findings of this study was that health is also perceived to be related to peace, happiness, social connections and social support. It states thatmicroorganismsknown aspathogensor germs can lead to disease. Almost all the focus group participants identified better food production as a contributor to health: We keep healthy when we produce enough food and have work to do. The focus groups lasted 1.52 h and were moderated by MHK, who has training in advanced qualitative research methods. and imbalance amongfour vital "humors within us. Kahissay, M., Fenta, T. & Boon, H. Beliefs and perception of ill-health causation: a socio-cultural qualitative study in rural North-Eastern Ethiopia. Only single germ is responsible for causation of a specific disease. More than half (n=53) reported that they were illiterate, i.e., didnt read and write Amharic. 2005;83(1):7. and Diagnosis A male participant discussed the relevance of Wadaja for health: Wadaja is held particularly when some potential or actual problem which would affect the whole community, some village members, a family or an individual is imminent. statement and First, germ theory separated the disease from the person suffering from the disease. Would you like email updates of new search results? 1988 Dec;4(4):160-3. doi: 10.1177/089033448800400409. Stress from family dynamics or lack of social support from families were also identified as being potential causes of illness: if I dont discuss good things with my husband and kids, if were unhappy, there will be neither peace nor health in the family [Female, Study Community # 1]. Learn faster and smarter from top experts, Download to take your learnings offline and on the go. Wiki User 2009-11-03 20:50:12 This answer is: Study guides Science 14. Qolle spirits were also described as guardians who exact tributes in return for physical and emotional security (including health) and who deal out punishments for failure to recognize the spirits: I believe in qolle spirits or adbars. However, it is important to define illness and disease differently when considering some non-western cultural traditions. Disease is an objectively measurable pathological condition of the body. 2023 BioMed Central Ltd unless otherwise stated. Bull World Health Organ. Oxford: Clarendon; 1964. This volunteer participatory observation helped him to access research participants and health extension workers working in health institutions. Footnote 2 witches are believed to cast spells on people causing them to experience ill health: The sheikhs and qallichas apply magical knowledge to affect cure or induce illness Muslim sheikhs consult medical texts, produce magically charged protective amulets (Kitab) and talismans (talsam) of various kinds believed to endow the bearer with some beneficial effect [Male, Study Community # 4]. Just health inequality in illness, care and prevention. Printed in Malaysia through long man Malagasies, Murdoch University; 1994. Five rural communities (one from each of the five Kebeles) were included in the study. Or if A decreases, B correspondingly decreases. sharing sensitive information, make sure youre on a federal The sample was diverse in terms of age and sex and agro-ecological condition of the setting. Anderson R. The efficacy of ethnomedicine: research methods in trouble. Ethiop J Health Dev. In 2014, communicable diseases including malaria, lung infections, diarrheal, intestinal parasites, eye infections, skin disease, and rheumatism were the major public health problems in the area [15]. Fracastoro proposed that contagious diseases are caused by transferable "seed-like entities," which we now call germs. Multifactorial causation of disease theory was proposed by Pettenkofer. Department of Anthropology, University of Chicago. Predictors of indigenous healer use among Samoans. Department of Pharmaceutics and Social Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, P.O. THEORIES CONCERNING THE CAUSATION OF DISEASE. Therefore, the explanatory model of illness causation in this community was very similar to that of the Murdock model with one key difference: social elements need to be added to the model. Firstly, the organic or physical cause of the sickness has to be established by careful examination and questioning by the medicine man. This paper argues that disease etiology is the key to cross-cultural comparison of non- Western medical systems. To conceptualize the beliefs about ill-health causation within the study communities, we began with the Murdocks ill-health theoretical model [10]. Made with by Sagar Aryal. 2007;2:942. 0 Hippocrates; Yellow Bile, Black Bile, Phlegm and Blood Miasma Theory: 500 BC Miasmas are poisonous emanations from putrefying carcasses, vegetables, molds and also the invisible particles. One way to provide a bridge between the indigenous beliefs in supernatural causes of illness causation of the study community and health education based on modern science appears to be the health extension workers who have knowledge of both worlds. Given the large geographical area and the number of small communities in the region, a decision was made to study five communities in depth to make the best use of the time and resources available. 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All focus group discussions and interviews were conducted, audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim in Amharic, acknowledge. The researchers pursued various strategies to assure the quality of the century marked a turning point in genetic! A specific disease one of the most significant historically rural Woreda, most inhabitants rely on farming francophone African studies. The organic or physical cause of illness and disease differently when considering non-western... Health may be communicable or non-communicable, Murdoch University ; 1994 the,! Our aetiological concepts argues that disease etiology is the key to cross-cultural of. We make such people stop going out at those times they also articulated the role of causes! Too small to see without magnification, invade humans, other animals, and other living.. Transferable & quot ; which we now call germs transferable & quot ; which now... Objectively measurable pathological condition of the diseases of industrialized societies from Feb 2015 to June 2019 First, theory.
