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WORLD ANTHROPOLOGICAL UNION

CONGRESS 2024​

Paper

The Intersection of Culture and Healthcare: Exploring Barriers and Facilitators to Traditional African Healing at Rhodes University.

presenters

    Sibulelo Madondo

    Nationality: South Africa

    Residence: South Africa

    Rhodes University

    Presence:Face to Face/ On Site

As Africa celebrates its rich cultural heritage, Traditional African Healing (TAH) remains an integral part of the continent's identity. Yet, within academic institutions, especially South Africa, its role and relevance are often misunderstood. Rooted in the notions of indigenous knowledge systems, TAH combines physical, spiritual, and social elements to address holistic well-being. Given South Africa's culture of medical pluralism, where individuals combine multiple health systems, it is essential to continually explore the potential of adopting a pluralistic approach to health provision, including within tertiary education institutions (Khalikova, 2021). Doing so will promote the Africanization and decolonization of the education system. Higher Health (2019) has highlighted the limitations in understanding and integrating traditional healing practices in universities. This study sought to uncover the factors influencing Traditional African Healing utilization among Rhodes University staff and students. This research will ultimately inform strategies for inclusive and culturally responsive wellness services that honor the diverse health practices of the university community. Using a mixed-methods design, qualitative and quantitative approaches, a survey was administered to a sample of 205 participants, and in-depth interviews were conducted with 30 purposefully selected participants, all of whom were students and staff at the University. The survey provided insights into the prevalence and trends of TAH utilization, while the interviews delved into the beliefs, attitudes, and experiences of the participants regarding TAH utilization within the university. The study found that there is a high prevalence of TAH service utilization, with participants citing cultural affinity and complementarity to biomedicine. However, barriers persist due to forces such as social stigmas, power dynamics, and cultural norms which hinder Traditional African Healing's full acceptance within the university community. Additionally, the study has identified a need for increased awareness, education, and support for TAH practices among university members, as well as a desire for inclusive wellness services that integrate traditional and Western approaches.

Keywords:

Traditional African Healing, medical pluralism, higher education,