The Effect of African Cultural Ideologies on Healthcare: Unveiling Challenges

Culture extends beyond physical attributes such as food and dressing; it encompasses how we communicate, and the traditions we uphold. Furthermore, culture shapes our ideologies and mindset on foundational issues that significantly impact our existence.

This article marks the commencement of a two-part series. In this first part, we delve into the effects of African cultural ideologies on healthcare. The subsequent part will shed light on viable solutions that can be offered to mitigate the impact of these dogmas.

Culture can be defined as collective ideas, concepts, and values individuals acquire within a society. It is rather acquired through social learning than genetic transmission and often has an unconscious influence on us.

Cultural health beliefs affect how people think and feel about their health and health problems. The significance of belief systems on healthcare in many African societies is one we cannot turn a blind eye to. There is a variety of cultural ideologies in the diverse, rich, and vast African landscape. Consequently, the most prevalent ones that disrupt healthcare delivery will be discussed in this article.

All cultures possess systems of disease theory which involve attributional concepts aimed at clarifying the causation of illnesses. Many African cultural systems are inclined towards attributing illnesses to spiritual factors, which makes it difficult to provide proper therapeutic strategies. While acknowledging that certain conditions may indeed be beyond medical intervention, it is essential to recognize that this may not always be the case. A holistic approach that incorporates evidence-based medical interventions, while keeping cultural beliefs in mind will aid in effectively navigating the complexities of healthcare in African cultural contexts.

Besides, traditional treatment holds considerable significance in African communities. Notably, many African societies have progressed with a broader acceptance of Western medicine. However, the key challenge lies in effectively integrating traditional therapy with modern medical treatment, given their coexistence in most African settings. It is crucial to strike a balance to ensure culturally sensitive healthcare delivery in diverse communities.

Lifestyle alterations are major healthcare interventions in disease therapy. There are usually conflicts between the usual livelihood and recommended lifestyle changes that are important for healthy living, as culture significantly affects lifestyle. For instance, traditional diets within a specific community that hold deep cultural value and foster social bonds might clash with recommended individualized dietary modifications.

Moreover, cultural stigmas that are attached to certain disease conditions lead to the affected individuals facing prejudice. This could result in the inability to access necessary treatment and support. This goes on to affect the way mental healthcare is perceived in many African communities. The reluctance to acknowledge and address mental health concerns stems from cultural biases that may view such issues as personal weaknesses rather than legitimate health conditions.

In conclusion, addressing the challenges posed by cultural ideologies in healthcare calls for a collective and multi-dimensional effort. This discussion only scratches the surface of many issues at play. The second part of this article aims at elucidating remedial actions, contributing to this ongoing dialogue. By encouraging understanding, respect, and the integration of diverse cultural perspectives, we can work towards creating a healthcare system that is accessible, inclusive, and effective for all, irrespective of cultural backgrounds.