"Driving the devil away": qualitative insights into miraculous cures for AIDS in a rural Tanzanian ward.

BMC Public Health
Maria RouraBasia Zaba

Abstract

The role of religious beliefs in the prevention of HIV and attitudes towards the infected has received considerable attention. However, little research has been conducted on Faith Leaders' (FLs) perceptions of antiretroviral therapy (ART) in the developing world. This study investigated FLs' attitudes towards different HIV treatment options (traditional, medical and spiritual) available in a rural Tanzanian ward. Qualitative interviews were conducted with 25 FLs purposively selected to account for all the denominations present in the area. Data was organised into themes using the software package NVIVO-7. The field work guidelines were tailored as new topics emerged and additional codes progressively added to the coding frame. Traditional healers (THs) and FLs were often reported as antagonists but duality prevailed and many FLs simultaneously believed in traditional healing. Inter-denomination mobility was high and guided by pragmatism.Praying for the sick was a common practice and over one third of respondents said that prayer could cure HIV. Being HIV-positive was often seen as "a punishment from God" and a consequence of sin. As sinning could result from "the work of Satan", forgiveness was possible, and a "reconciliation w...Continue Reading

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Citations

Sep 28, 2012·Journal of Community Health·Ibrahim Ali AbdiSibylle I Rahlenbeck
Feb 10, 2016·Applied Nursing Research : ANR·Ali HassanpourDehkordiAlireza NikbakhatNasrabadi
Sep 26, 2015·International Journal of Epidemiology·Coleman KishamaweMark Urassa
Feb 16, 2016·Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Disease·Zachary Clarke RichJoseph David Tucker
Apr 17, 2014·Global Public Health·Melissa H WattKathleen J Sikkema
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Mar 13, 2017·Journal of Religion and Health·Safiya George DalmidaGeorge Mugoya
Dec 9, 2017·Journal of the International AIDS Society·Constance Rs Mackworth-YoungAnne L Stangl
Feb 23, 2020·Medical Anthropology·Shona HorterAlison Wringe

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Software Mentioned

FLs
NVIVO

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