Family Support as a Care Resource among the Bena in the Tanzanian Village of Ilembula

Abstract

This article aims to analyse family support as a care resource from a cultural perspective. The purpose of the study was to reflect on the cultural factors defining family support as a care resource among the Bena in the Tanzanian village of Ilembula. The data was collected through interviews, participant observation and personal working diaries. Sixty-one villagers were interviewed. The data was analysed using the inductive qualitative content analysis method. The findings show that the culturally defined characteristics of family support among the Bena in the village of Ilembula were maintaining integrity, moral responsibility, role division, and being present; while the main actions taken by families to support their ill relatives were succour and comfort. The characteristics and activities of family support reflected the worldview of the Bena, their family-centred values, cultural beliefs and the lack of a social security system in Ilembula. The study proved that family support is a meaningful part of care, reflecting the Bena's world view and their cultural values beside their socio-cultural conditions. The results can be exploited in the practice and teaching of transcultural nursing.