Folk and Modern Medicine in Africa: A Case Study of Mental Health Care in Liberia

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Periodical article

Title:	Folk and Modern Medicine in Africa: A Case Study of Mental Health Care in Liberia
Authors:	Oritsejafor, Emmanuel O. Jones, Emma L.
Year:	2004
Periodical:	Liberian Studies Journal
Volume:	29
Issue:	2
Pages:	1-15
Language:	English
Geographic term:	Liberia
Subjects:	traditional medicine mental health public health Health and Nutrition Peoples of Africa (Ethnic Groups)
Abstract:	Following an examination of the health care environment in Liberia and a literature review, this paper proposes that traditional medicine can be merged with modern medicine if practitioners can harness some of the similarities in both areas of medicine in order to meet the WHO goal of health care for all. Employing the collectivist's culture framework (B.J. Berry, E.C. Conkling and M.D. Ray, 1993) and social learning theory (A. Bandura, 1977), the paper suggests that folk and modern medicine can coexist if practitioners encourage social support groups such as the extended family, the village and the community at large in some cases to enforce adherence to health care. The focus is on mental health care in Liberia. Bibliogr. [ASC Leiden abstract]