Culture related to Health

The definition of culture by Skolnik (2019) states that culture is "behaviors and beliefs that are learned and shared." The study of ancient history proves that African indigenous people were highly spiritual, and their practices and traditions have continued from generation to generation. In African culture, a person's spiritual well-being is a significant part of their health status. Mental, physical, spiritual, and emotional stability means good health in African culture. The belief is when one becomes sick; it is an attack from bad spirits. Original research conducted by White (2015) found that Ghanaians use what they call a "traditional priest" or "herbalist" to treat sickness by performing spiritual rituals, sacrifices, and administering herbs, a holistic approach. 

 

White, Peter. (2015). The concept of diseases and health care in African traditional religion in Ghana. HTS Tealogiese Studies,71(3), 1-7. https://doi.org/10.4102/hts.v71i3.2762 

 

Interview

I had the chance to interview a co-worker who is a woman from Nigeria and grew up in South Africa. She shared her personal experience and knowledge about culture and health in Africa. She explained that most Nigerian people prefer natural remedies for sickness, and many fear hospital treatment. She stated, "my grandmother has a plant for every illness. She dries the leaves and makes tea, topical treatment, and herbal baths, and it all works. Sickness can be caused by how one thinks; some remedies focus on healing the mind; if the mind is not right, the body will not heal as it should. She explained that Africans often seek spiritual healers and that rituals are common but may differ amongst tribes. The interview was very insightful to the African culture of health practices.  

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Gender Norms

According to Anyidoho (2020), "gender denotes the social prescriptions associated with biological sex in regards to roles, behavior, appearance, cognition, and emotions." In Ghana, the primary role of the woman is to bear children and be a caregiver. The man's part is to provide for the family financially; therefore, the man has a public position in society. In African countries, women earn less than men and tend to become employees rather than employers (Anyidoho, 2020). Power imbalances exist between women and men in African countries. 

 

Anyidoho, N.A. (2020). The Palgrave Handbook of African Women's Studies, Women, gender, and development in Africa. (pp. 1-15). Palgrave MacMillan. DOI: 10.4102/hts.v71i3.2762