Traditional religious worldview as persistent driver of healthcare practices in Southeast Nigeria

Abstract

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 (61%) 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.