Traditional public health practices in Nigeria.

Abstract

Traditional beliefs and practices can help teach effective modern public health practices in Nigeria. A study conducted among large ethnic groups in Nigeria found that many of the people's traditional beliefs promoted good health practices and complemented modern health promotion efforts. The study was conducted by public health workers and students through open-ended questions among Yorubas, Hausas, and Ibos, the dominant indigenous ethnic groups of Nigeria. Interviewers questioned the respondents on myths, cultural taboos, legends, proverbs and songs. They also asked about cultural practices regarding water sanitation, waste disposal, food hygiene, vector control, and communicable disease control. Maintaining a clean water supply was a key concept in traditional beliefs. In addition, folklore emphasized sanitary disposal of human waste, general cleanliness, and the importance of personal hygiene. Proper food handling was treated in certain proverbs and myths, and there were many taboos on cooking, storing, and serving of food. The study found evil attached to rats, cockroaches, and flies in homes. Disease prevention was encouraged through tales and practices involving isolation of infected persons.