Concepts of Illness Among the Swahili of Lamu, Kenya

Illness among the Swahili of Lamu, Kenya, is perceived as a spiritual imbalance stemming from personal transgression or supernatural attacks orchestrated by envious individuals. This concept integrates fixed moral attributes determined at birth, influencing behavior and susceptibility to ailments. The study highlights how culturally congruent nursing care can be achieved when healthcare providers align with the Swahili framework for diagnosing and treating illness, illustrated through two case studies. The research emphasizes the importance of understanding local cultural perspectives in healthcare practices.

Gearhart, R., & Abdulrehman, M. S. (2013). Concepts of Illness Among the Swahili of Lamu, Kenya. Journal of Transcultural Nursing, 25(3), 218–222. https://doi.org/10.1177/1043659613515713