Abstract:
This study of a rural community in the malaria endemic area of
Muheza in Tanzania deals with several issues.
(1) Malaria as a health
problem is looked at from its ecological epidemiological context.
It is
seen as a problem which has made it necessary for the resident people to
develop knowledge and ways of dealing with it.
adaptation to a known hazardous environment.
This is the people's
(2) The resident people are
considered in a historical and cultural context including their early
contact with outside cultures.
Their closeness to the Indian Ocean made
it possible for them to develop early contact with Islamic Arab culture
and others that followed later.
Missionary contact came early as well
and was followed by other Europeans who started the development of sisal,
tea anc/ coffee plantations.
As a result of this cultural contact, the
resident peoples of Muheza developed new adaptive ways of managing
malaria.
Hence, today, a combination of methods are used to handle malaria
and other diseases of the environment.
(3) Even though Chloroquine and
other Western medicines are popularly used, traditional medicines are
also used in various combinations.
djins and ancestors.
Disease etiologies include parasites,
This shows that traditional beliefs and values
still strongly influence malaria management behavior even though otheriv
factors are also present.
The institution of the African extended
family, which is based on ancestor kinship linkage, has strong influence
on malaria management behavior.
(4) The Fishbein behavioral model and
theory of reasoned action serve to point out and explain the underlying
processes behind the pragmatic observed behavior regarding the use of
chloroquine in the management of malaria.
(5) Problems in the health
services are pointed out and suggestions are made on the direction of
change needed to achieve improved management of malaria and other
diseases.
