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Publication Details
AFRICAN RESEARCH NEXUS
SHINING A SPOTLIGHT ON AFRICAN RESEARCH
medicine
Clubfoot in Malawi: Local theories of causation
Tropical Doctor, Volume 41, No. 2, Year 2011
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Description
This paper examines local theories of the causation of clubfoot expressed by the guardians of children undergoing treatment at clinics run by the Malawi National Clubfoot Programme (MNCP). Core data was collected and analysed using qualitative methodologies of critical medical anthropology. Sixty detailed case studies were completed, each based on an extended open-ended interview with patient guardians. Five main theories of causation were put forward: God; the devil; witchcraft or curses; biological reasons; and inherited condition. Each was elaborated in a variety of ways. There is growing international recognition of the importance of examining the relationship between culture and disability. This study is the first attempt to do so for clubfoot in Malawi. It provides a platform on which to build future qualitative research that can be harnessed by the MNCP and similar initiatives to develop their knowledge base and service provision, both in Malawi and the wider African context. © 2011, SAGE Publications. All rights reserved.
Authors & Co-Authors
Bedford, Juliet
United Kingdom, Oxford
University of Oxford
Chidothi, Paul
Malawi
Beit Trust Cure International Hospital
Sakala, Harris
Malawi
Beit Trust Cure International Hospital
Cashman, John P.
Malawi
Beit Trust Cure International Hospital
Lavy, Chris B.D.
United Kingdom, Oxford
University of Oxford Medical Sciences Division
Statistics
Citations: 9
Authors: 5
Affiliations: 3
Identifiers
Doi:
10.1258/td.2010.100261
ISSN:
00494755
e-ISSN:
17581133
Research Areas
Disability
Health System And Policy
Maternal And Child Health
Study Approach
Qualitative
Study Locations
Malawi