Conceptions of illness, help seeking pathways and attitudes towards an integrated health care system : perspectives from psychological counsellors, traditional healers and health care users.
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Date
2008
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Abstract
Perceptions of health and illness which include the perceived cause and recourse play an
important role in diagnosis and management of illness. Traditional and allopathic
medicines are used simultaneously and sometimes without the knowledge of the health
professional and this has an impact on clinical outcomes. Overlooking patients’
subjective experience, health providers’ biases and prejudice may pose a negative impact
on clinical outcomes. This study explores patients’, traditional healers’ and psychological
counselors’ perception of illness by conducting interviews and administering open-ended
questionnaires. The data is analyzed both qualitatively and quantitatively through the use
of content analysis and non-parametric statistical procedures. The results indicate that
the concept of illness is complex and multidimensional with physical and socio-spiritual
aspects. Effective management requires a joint approach between indigenous and western
health systems. The results further show that traditional healers fully embrace the
integrated health approach while there is some skepticism and uncertainty from
psychological counselors which could be stemming from their training. There is still
work to be done in terms of health planning and policy but also the training of health
professionals.
Description
Thesis (M.Soc.Sc.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2008.
Keywords
Medical care--South Africa., Public health--South Africa., Health behaviour., Health attitudes., Theses--Psychology.