A qualitative exploration of cultural illness perceptions and barriers to modern healthcare: the case of Ikirimi and traditional uvulectomy in Rwanda

The findings highlight ikirimi as a socially constructed illness with deep cultural roots, significant health implications, and persistent barriers to modern healthcare. Addressing these barriers requires culturally sensitive approaches that integrate Indigenous knowledge with biomedical practices. Future research should explore the biomedical correlates of ikirimi and foster collaboration between traditional and modern healthcare systems to improve patient outcomes.