Browsing by Author "Rashidi, Hassani"

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    Lay explanations of plague and their contributions to the long persistance of plague in Lushoto district: the case of Lukozi and Kinko villages.
    (University of Dar es Salaam, 1998) Rashidi, Hassani
    The long persistence of plague in Lushoto district - Tanga region has been a major concern to the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania and other organizations such as WHO, UNICEF, GTZ, SUA and the community at large in recent years. However, despite the application of conventional methods which have controlled plague in other foci, the Lushoto focus remains the active focus. It has been stated in a number of studies (Kilonzo, 1966; Lwihula, 1966; TAMWA, 1995; USADEFU, 1996) that the persistence of plague in Lushoto district is perpetuated by a number of factors including lay explanations of plague which enhance wrong beliefs about plague. This study was therefore, conducted in order to verify whether or not lay explanations of plague contribute to the persistence of plague in Lushoto district. The study was conducted in Lukozi and Kinko villages both located in Lushoto district. This dissertation comprises five chapters. Chapter one is an introductory chapter which is followed by a Chapter on literature review. The third chapter is about the study area and methods of data collection while the fourth chapter presents the study findings. The summary of the findings is presented as a concluding chapter. It was evident from the study that lay explanations of plague in Lushoto differ from those held by professionals. It has also been shown that though different, lay explanations of plague are not contradictory to professional explanatory models rather they add cultural dimensions to professional models of plague. The study has verified that lay explanations of plague contribute to the persistence of plague by shaping negative responses to plague episodes and preventive measures. Finally, the study recommends that health planners and promoters should appreciate and take advantage of what the lay people already know about plague when designing the appropriate plague interventions in the district.