Perceptions of “spiritually transmitted diseases” within the Zulu community of KZN, Pietermaritzburg, uMgungundlovu District.

Abstract

People worldwide have different cultural and spiritual beliefs that influence how they perceive disease or an illness. Such perceptions stem from cultural forces and individual experiences. Cross-culturally, medical anthropologists examine health, healing, disorders and treatments. Understanding health from a cultural perspective proves that illnesses/ diseases are not only physical but also social and spiritual. It is, therefore, necessary to understand these perspectives when aiming for culturally appropriate and sustainable interventions. Medical anthropologists are not only interested in studying diseases and illnesses but also in those that are culturebound. The lack of anthropological research on spiritual diseases from AmaZulu cultural perspective has influenced this research. This is not to claim that AmaZulu people in KwaZulu- Natal are a homogenous group with similar experiences, especially concerning spiritually transmitted diseases. However, in the researcher’s experience, this phenomenon is uncommon among AmaZulu adults in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal. This research aims to describe and document perceptions and experiences of these “spiritually transmitted diseases” (SpTD’s) in a local AmaZulu community. A general conclusion is that SpTD’s are culture-bound even though some symptoms are like medical conditions that we know. This research also adds that a culture-bound disorder does not necessarily have to be spiritually transmitted. A spiritually transmitted disease can be or appear as a sexually transmitted disease. These spiritual distresses are associated with “ubumnyama”, which is said to be contagious to a certain extent, especially through sexual intercourse. They are also believed to make an existing medical condition worse. Previous studies have indicated that 80% of the population in African countries uses traditional medicine to maintain good health and treat illnesses and diseases. In the documentation of these perceived spiritual diseases, this dissertation includes the healing processes and unpacks the associated myths. The researcher also refers to allopathic medication not to disregard but to highlight parallel health systems with similar concepts (symptoms) but different healing processes. This research had its challenges and limitations. There is room for further research with a larger sample.