CULTURAL DEFINITION OF DISEASES AND HEALTHCARE FOR INFANTS AND CHILDREN IN AFRICA: THE EXPERIENCES IN SOUTHEAST NIGERIA

This paper adopts a qualitative research design to explore the cultural definitions of diseasesand healthcare practices for infants in Southeast Nigeria. It examines traditional beliefs,customs, and modern healthcare services relatively to infant healthcare. The integrativemodel was adopted as theoretical framework for the study. Integrative model explains that theintegration of traditional and modern medical practices will produce optional health careand services to the people. The study which was conducted in Imo State, engaged qualitativeresearch methodology. The study generates data through discussion, interviews, and focusgroups. Thematic analysis of data illustrated how cultural perceptions shape the healthoutcomes of the people in its conclusion. The study further reveals that an integration of bothpractices will enhance and promote health care services to the people. This study howeverhighlights the complexities and intersections between cultural practices and medical careand how people's perception of diseases affects the utilization of modern medical services.The study proposes strategies for improving healthcare delivery in culturally diverse settings.