Saúde mental dos moradores do bairro Nkobe: uma análise da interpretação cultural da epilepsia

Abstract

This work is titled "Mental health of residents of the Nkobe neighborhood: an analysis of the cultural interpretation of epilepsy." The general objective is to analyze the cultural interpretation of epilepsy and its influence on the mental health of residents of the Nkobe neighborhood in the Province of Maputo, for the operationalization of this research a qualitative approach was used. For data collection, a semi-structured interview was used, which was administered to a sample of 10 participants, six men and four women. Through interviews, it was possible to observe a diversity of perceptions, which vary between scientific explanations and spiritual beliefs. As a result, for many participants, epilepsy is seen as a disease that affects the brain, characterized by seizures and loss of body control. The answers indicated that, although there is an understanding that epilepsy is a neurological condition, some explanations involve spiritual factors and ignorance about the causes of the disease. However, epilepsy is understood through a plurality of narratives from the Nkobe Neighborhood, ranging from explanations about natural and spiritual to the most scientific and biomedical vision because it is on the part of the community, still believes that epilepsy results from curses, evil spirits or witchcraft. Many believe that cultural violations, such as breaking taboos, can cause the disease. The association with evil spirits and curses is also common, which often leads the community to opt for spiritual treatments instead of seeking medical help. This cultural vision of epilepsy can therefore create obstacles to biomedical treatment