Faith Healing Techniques in the Management of Sickle Cell Anaemia in Nigeria

Abstract

People living with sickle cell anaemia (SCA) tend to experience multiple sources of therapy complemented by self-care practices. In Nigeria, over 100,000 babies are born yearly with sickle cell anaemia. High prevalence of this disease in Nigeria is attributed to lack of adequate knowledge about it. Data exist on the role of Western medicine and traditional medicine in the management of several diseases including sickle cell anaemia but little is known about faith therapy. This study therefore examined faith healing techniques in the management of SCA outside the medical settings. Using Weber’s Social Action Theory and Health Belief Model as explanatory framework, qualitative data were obtained through snowball sampling technique which cut across seven local government areas (LGAs) of Osun State—Atakumosa West, Boripe, Osogbo, Ife East, Ifedayo, Ilesa West, and Ila. A total of twenty Key Informant Interview sessions were held while three case studies were generated from the respondents. The study revealed that treatment techniques include prayer, application of herbs, divination, and counselling. Poor adherence to treatment was noted to be due to emotional trauma being experienced by patients and caregivers. Prayer and counselling were effective therapy to manage the condition. Both Christian and Muslim clerics engaged used prayer and fasting as treatment techniques, even though they also recognized the need for modern medical services. Traditional healers diagnosed the disease with divination and applied herbs and charms as well as appease the perceived spirit causing the disease. The Muslim clerics also use herbs. Majority of the practitioners recognized that the problem of emotional trauma (the major threat to adherence to treatment and positive health outcomes) is best surmounted through prayer and fasting. In terms of treatment, the general trends thus entail combination of faith healing through prayer and fasting, spiritual consultation, and the practice of embracing modern medicine where SCA patients are referred to hospitals. This paper therefore concluded that culture and society provide the context for understanding the prevention and treatment of diseases.