Disability and Rehabilitation: Beliefs and Attitudes among Rural Disabled People on a Community Based Rehabilitation Scheme in Zimbabwe

bibliographic database
Line

Periodical article

Title:	Disability and Rehabilitation: Beliefs and Attitudes among Rural Disabled People on a Community Based Rehabilitation Scheme in Zimbabwe
Authors:	Mupedziswa, R. Jackson, H.
Year:	1988
Periodical:	Journal of Social Development in Africa (ISSN 1012-1080)
Volume:	3
Issue:	1
Pages:	21-30
Language:	English
Geographic term:	Zimbabwe
Subjects:	physically disabled Peoples of Africa (Ethnic Groups) Health and Nutrition Development and Technology
Abstract:	This study examines beliefs about and attitudes to disability and rehabilitation amongst rural people on a Red Cross community-based rehabilitation programme which was started in Gutu District, Masvingo Province, Zimbabwe, in 1985. The research was carried out in November 1986, using a small sample of 40 respondents in some 31 families. 56 percent of respondents blamed traditional causal agents (witchcraft and spirits) for disability in the family, 33 percent blamed God, and only a small minority blamed natural causes. 36 percent sought traditional help first and 64 percent medical help, with 62 percent seeking both at some stage. There was no correlation, however, between expressed belief in a causal agent and the type of help sought (traditional or medical), or whether that help was valued. It was also found that the Red Cross community-based rehabilitation programme, whilst being valued for its practical assistance, had almost no impact on people's beliefs about causal agents. Bibliogr.