Traditional religious worldview as persistent driver of healthcare practices in Southeast Nigeria
population health
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Issue: 1
(02 - 2020)
Background: Worldviews define reality and stipulate the specific attitudes towards each component
of reality. This study assessed how traditional religious worldview in southeast Nigeria has
persisted as a driver of healthcare practices in the region. The study was carried out in southeast
Nigeria, particularly, Enugu and Anambra States.
Data Source and Methods: Data for the study were collected using a six-item questionnaire
administered to 400 respondents, and analyzed using simple percentages.
Results: Most of the respondents see ailments as curses from gods/deities, or malicious
machinations from evil forces. The predominant initial healthcare practice for ailments such as leg
ulcer is to go to a dibia (6 I%) or to a faith healing home (29%).
Conclusion: For health-interventions to succeed in southeast Nigeria, there is need for pre-
intervention campaigns. There is also urgent need to proscribe faith healing homes in the region.
Keywords: Traditional Religion, Worldview, Driver, Healthcare, Nigeria
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