When the longer route leads to the point: Circumlocution as a strategy in the male reproductive health clinic in Kenya

Abstract

Background

Communication is crucial in healthcare settings as patients rely on language to articulate their symptoms and concerns to the doctor. However, language barriers and the sensitive nature of certain subjects often complicate these interactions. Reproductive health is one such subject that poses a challenge in clinical and societal contexts due to its intimate nature. Guided by H·P Grice's Cooperative Principle, maxim of manner, this paper examines the use of circumlocution as a discourse strategy employed by male patients in a doctor-patient interaction in a reproductive health clinic in Kenya.

Methods

Data is drawn from a qualitative study carried out in reproductive health clinic in Nakuru County, Kenya. Using participant observation as a tool, doctor-patient conversations were audio-recorded and transcribed, and discourse analysis adopted as the guiding framework of analysis.

Results

Circumlocution is prevalent in male patients and female parents when discussing reproductive health issues, regardless of the doctor's gender. The use of circumlocution can hinder clear and direct communication, contradicting Grice's maxim of manner emphasizing the importance of clear and concise communication for effective communication. Circumlocution serves as a euphemistic tool for addressing taboo subject. Its use allows patients to approach reproductive health topic indirectly, reducing embarrassment and discomfort.

Major conclusion

There's a need for improved communication strategies in healthcare settings with emphasis on a delicate balance between sensitivity and clarity when discussing reproductive health problems. The work underscores importance of doctors being skilled in deciphering meanings and patients being more direct when discussing reproductive health concerns.

Contribution to knowledge

The study contributes to the broader conversation on effective communication in healthcare especially in men's reproductive health context. It is important to adapt and tailor communication strategies to the cultural and social contexts of male patients and the unique challenges they face.