Traditional healers as client advocates in the HIV-endemic region of Maputo, Mozambique

Results From a Qualitative Study

Datos Bibliográficos

ID2177818
AutoresRadhika Sundararajan (0000-0002-8451-2243, University of California San Diego, autor de correspondencia), Patricio V Langa (0000-0002-2360-7118, Eduardo Mondlane University), Trisha Morshed (Banner Health), Sandra Manuel (0000-0001-6540-1786, Eduardo Mondlane University)
Año2021
Volumen18
Número1
Páginas77-85
Fecha de publicación2021-01-01
Peer ReviewedSí
Open AccessSí
TipoARTICLE
RevistaSAHARA-J Journal of Social Aspects of HIV/AIDS (JOURNAL)
Identificadores de la revistaISSN: 1729-0376 • E-ISSN: 1813-4424
EditorialInforma UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/17290376.2021.1909492
PMID33902401
OpenAlexW3158376901
IdiomaEN
Citas recibidas5
Referencias citadas36

Traditional healers are commonly utilised throughout sub-Saharan Africa instead of – and in concert with – biomedical facilities. Traditional healers are trusted providers and prominent community members and could be important partners in improving engagement with HIV services in endemic contexts. Our study sought to understand the roles of healers in the urban setting of Maputo, Mozambique, where HIV prevalence is high and testing rates are low. Qualitative data were gathered through minimally structured interviews with 36 healers. Analysis followed an inductive, grounded theory approach. Data reveal three themes relevant to improving engagement with HIV services in this endemic region: (1) healers have positive attitudes towards biomedicine; (2) healers advocate for their sick clients and (3) clients are reticent to present to biomedical facilities. Healers describe their roles as ‘cooperative’ with biomedical providers to provide healthcare for their clients. Results suggest that healers could be considered critical enablers to effective HIV programmes in communities. They have social and symbolic capital that positions them to beneficially influence clients and are natural partners for interventions to improve uptake of HIV services

Alternative medicine · Biomedicine · Family medicine · Grounded theory · Psychological intervention · Qualitative research · Social science · Sociology · Traditional medicine · Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health · HIV/AIDS Research and Interventions · Medicine · Nursing · Poverty, Education, and Child Welfare