Supernatural Causes Research Articles

Assessing traditional medicine in the treatment of neurological disorders in Mali: prelude to efficient collaboration

IntroductionNeurological disorders (ND) have a high incidence in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). In this region, systemic challenges of conventional medicine (CM) and cultural beliefs have contributed to a large utilization of traditional medicine (TM). Yet, data on TM and those who use it in the treatment of ND in SSA are scarce. Here, we systematically analyze its role as a therapy modality for ND in Mali, the socio-demographic characteristics of its users, and propose next steps to optimize the dual usages of TM and CM for patients with ND.MethodsWe conducted a questionnaire study in two phases. In phase one, patients with ND answered questions on their usage of and attitudes towards TM. In phase two, the TM therapists who provided care to the patients in phase one answered questions regarding their own practices for treating ND. Patients were recruited from the country's two university neurology departments.Results3,534 of the 4,532 patients seen in the Departments of Neurology in 2019 met the inclusion criteria. Among these 3,534 patients, 2,430 (68.8%) had previously consulted TM for their present ND. Patients over 60 years of age most often used TM (83.1%). By education, illiterate patients utilized TM the most (85.5%) while those with more than a secondary education used TM the least (48.6%). An income greater than the minimum guaranteed salary was associated with decreased use of traditional medicine (OR 0.29, CI 0.25–0.35, p < 0.001). Among those using TM, it was overwhelmingly thought to be more effective than CM (84.6%). Linking illness to supernatural causes and believing TM therapists had a better understanding of illnesses were the most common reasons patients used traditional medicine (82.3% and 80.5%, respectively).We then interviewed 171 TM therapists who had provided care to the patients in phase one. These providers most commonly “sometimes” (62.6%) referred patients to CM and 4.1% never had. A majority of TM providers (62.6%) believed collaboration with CM could be improved by having doctor “take into account” our existence.ConclusionOur work shows that TM plays a central role in the provision of care for patients with ND in SSA with certain cohorts using it at higher rates. Future development of treatment of ND in SSA will require optimizing TM with CM and needs buy-in from all stakeholders including conventional medicine clinicians, traditional medicine therapists, researchers, politicians, and most importantly, patients.

Knowledge, Attitudes, and Perceptions of Mental Disorders Among Young Adults: Addressing Stigma and the Need for Mental Health Care

This study explores the knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of young adults towards mental disorders and mental health care needs. Using a quantitative research design, data was collected from 170 participants via a structured questionnaire administered online. Descriptive statistics were employed to analyze the data, revealing key insights into demographic characteristics and respondents' views on mental health. The findings indicate a strong consensus on the importance of mental health as a vital component of overall well-being, with moderate agreement on the causes of mental disorders, such as brain diseases, genetic inheritance, and drug abuse. However, misconceptions persist, particularly regarding supernatural causes and the stigma associated with mental illness. While young adults generally hold positive attitudes towards individuals with mental disorders, some stigmatizing beliefs still exist. The study also highlights a widespread recognition of the need for mental health care, with an overwhelming majority of respondents advocating for professional help and open discussions about mental health concerns. These findings underscore the necessity of addressing mental health stigma and promoting awareness and education among young adults to foster a more supportive and understanding environment for those affected by mental disorders.

Community health worker knowledge and perceptions of neonatal jaundice in Kumasi, Ghana

BackgroundNeonatal jaundice is a leading cause of death and disability among newborns in sub-Saharan Africa, due in large part to late identification of an otherwise treatable illness. The burden of NNJ recognition and care-seeking falls on infant caretakers and community health workers (CHWs), who are in charge of both maternal education and neonatal home visits.ObjectiveThis study sought to understand community health workers’ (CHW) knowledge and perceptions of community beliefs surrounding neonatal jaundice (NNJ), a treatable but potentially fatal condition prevalent in sub-Saharan Africa.MethodsIn this cross-sectional qualitative study, CHWs in Kumasi, Ghana, completed in-depth interviews with trained research assistants using a semi-structured interview guide. Interviews were audiotaped, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using grounded theory methodology.ResultsKnowledge of NNJ varied widely among the 23 respondents: 74% knew NNJ could cause death, 57% knew how to screen for NNJ. 35% of CHWs favored home treatment (sunlight therapy or watchful waiting). Three main themes emerged: CHWs perceived that caregivers prefer home treatment, equating hospital care with death; sunlight and herbs are the most common home treatments; and caregivers attribute NNJ to supernatural causes, delaying jaundice diagnosis.ConclusionIncomplete understanding of NNJ among trained CHWs and local communities will require improved education among both groups to improve outcomes.

Evolutionism and intelligent design in the writingsof Józef Życiński (1948 – 2011)

More than 150 years ago, Charles Darwin’s major work, On the Origin of Species,revolutionized science and the approach to explaining the biological complexity of theworld. This happened because Darwin was the first naturalist to propose in a systematic and scientific way a theory intended to explain the creation of all the complexityof the world without resorting to supernatural causes.66 The theory of evolution hassince become a paradigm for practicing natural sciences. However nowadays molecularbiology sheds new light on the issue of the origin of life and the evolution of the naturalworld. Hence at the end of the 20th century, the scientific theory of intelligent designwas developed in the United States, which postulates that there are very serious reasons – related to the very structure of biological molecular systems – to believe that themechanisms of life can never be explained in accordance with Darwinian principles.67The article will present the essence of evolutionism and intelligent design in the lightof Józef Życiński’s writings and their interpretations put forward by some researchers.The last part will attempt to evaluate the final conclusions presented by the philosopher

God, witchcraft, and beliefs about illness in Mauritius

ABSTRACT Why do people use supernatural concepts to explain and treat illness? In a Mauritian sample, we examined how uncertainty around the cause of symptoms, illness severity, and knowledge about past moral behavior, influenced participants’ tendency to attribute illnesses to God and/or witchcraft. We employed a preregistered vignette-based experiment to manipulate these variables in four illnesses and a combination of scaled and open-ended freelist questions about the causes and cures for each illness. Participants (N = 530) gave supernatural causes and cures for all illnesses. High uncertainty around the cause of the symptoms increased participants’ claims that the illness was caused by God. When the sick person had a history of immoral behavior, participants were more willing to attribute their illness to God and witchcraft and offered up 4 times more supernatural causes in freelists compared with a person with no such history. We found no evidence that severity influenced participants’ likelihood of suggesting supernatural causes or cures. Finally, when participants gave a supernatural cause, they were more likely to also indicate that the illness needed a supernatural cure (e.g., consulting a spiritual healer), suggesting that supernatural causes increase the need for supernatural cures.

Professional nurses’ experiences of managing epilepsy at limited resource rural facilities in Limpopo and Mpumalanga Provinces, South Africa

BackgroundEpilepsy is a neurological disorder affecting approximately 50 million individuals globally, contributing significantly to the global disease burden. Professional nurses play a crucial role in the care and treatment of people living with epilepsy, ensuring their safety and well-being. Professional nurses frequently encounter challenges, such as restricted access to drugs, specialised equipment, and epilepsy treatment training. Despite these obstacles, professional nurses are essential to providing high-quality care to patients with epilepsy in remote locations. MethodsA qualitative design using explorative, descriptive, and contextual design was employed to achieve the objectives of the study. The sample comprised 20 professional nurses working in selected rural communities in Limpopo and Mpumalanga. Data was collected through in-depth individual interviews and analysed using Tesch's eight steps of data analysis. ResultsFour themes emerged from the data: experiences of professional nurses during management of epilepsy; inadequate training in management of epilepsy; insufficient supply of antiepileptic drugs and late presentation to local clinics. ConclusionThe study found that professional nurses experienced several challenges hindering the effective management of epilepsy. Cultural beliefs in supernatural causes of epilepsy significantly influence treatment preferences, consequently delaying diagnosis and treatment. Despite limited resources and cultural barriers experienced by professional nurses, they strive to provide appropriate care to minimise seizures. Ongoing education and training on epilepsy management is vital to enable professional nurses to keep up-to-date with current methods and new developments.

Community health worker knowledge and perceptions of neonatal jaundice in Kumasi, Ghana.

This study sought to understand community health workers' (CHW) knowledge and perceptions of community beliefs surrounding neonatal jaundice (NNJ), a treatable but potentially fatal condition prevalent in sub-Saharan Africa. In this cross-sectional qualitative study, CHWs in Kumasi, Ghana, completed in-depth interviews with trained research assistants using a semi-structured interview guide. Interviews were audiotaped, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using grounded theory methodology. Knowledge of NNJ varied widely among the 23 respondents: 74% knew NNJ could cause death, 57% knew how to screen for NNJ. 35% of CHWs favored home treatment (sunlight therapy or watchful waiting). Three main themes emerged: CHWs perceived that caregivers prefer home treatment, equating hospital care with death; sunlight and herbs are the most common home treatments; and caregivers attribute NNJ to supernatural causes, delaying jaundice diagnosis. Incomplete understanding of NNJ among trained CHWs and local communities will require improved education among both groups to improve outcomes.

Consciousness and the Dying Brain.

The near-death experience has been reported since antiquity and is often characterized by the perception of light, interactions with other entities, and life recall. Near-death experiences can occur in a variety of situations, but they have been studied systematically after in-hospital cardiac arrest, with an incidence of 10 to 20%. Long attributed to metaphysical or supernatural causes, there have been recent advances in understanding the neurophysiologic basis of this unique category of conscious experience. This article reviews the epidemiology and neurobiology of near-death experiences, with a focus on clinical and laboratory evidence for a surge of neurophysiologic gamma oscillations and cortical connectivity after cardiac and respiratory arrest.

Insights of Healthcare Workers and Community Members on Mental Health Perception and Practices in Meru County, Kenya

Mental health is a neglected field in many low and middle-income countries, such as Kenya, where information on the prevalence of mental health conditions is scarce. This problem is aggravated by an uneven distribution of mental health service providers and widespread ignorance and stigma around mental illness in the general population. The study in Meru County, Kenya, aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of healthcare workers and community members regarding mental health. The study, a descriptive cross-sectional survey, involved 535 community members and 109 healthcare workers, employing both qualitative and quantitative methods. Data was collected through household surveys, key informant interviews, and focus group discussions and analysed using univariate frequencies, descriptive statistics, and thematic analysis. The study revealed that 39% of community members had a family member with a mental health condition, while 68% of HCWs had been diagnosed with such conditions. Mental illness was often attributed to supernatural causes, genetics, substance abuse, and socio-economic pressures. A significant gap was found in the availability of counselling services in health facilities, with only 29.4% of HCWs reporting their presence. The perception of the affordability and accessibility of mental health services varied greatly between HCWs and community members. Additionally, while HCWs reported the availability of free medication, community members experienced shortages. The study also noted differing attitudes towards patients with mental illness in terms of respect and dignity and highlighted the use of traditional healers and religious leaders for mental health issues. This study contributes valuable insights into the state of mental health in Kenya, highlighting the high burden of mental illness, limited availability of services, and prevalent myths and misconceptions. It underscores the need for improved healthcare worker training, public awareness, and stronger health systems to address mental health issues effectively in Kenya and similar rural environments

Dentistry in the centuries: a historical overview.

The began of the dentistry as medicine's concept has a long history dating back to 7000 BCE, making it one of the earliest medical specialties. In its early days, dental diseases were often attributed to supernatural causes like "evil spirits" and "tooth worms." However, today, dentistry leverages cutting-edge technologies, including artificial intelligence, for diagnosis and treatment. This journey reflects the remarkable progress made in the field. Despite these advancements, there is still room for improvement in integrating dental knowledge and skills with medical science and engineering backgrounds. Bridging these disciplines could lead to even greater advancements in the diagnosis and maintenance of oral health. Thus, over time, it has transformed from a primitive form of medicine into a modern field that emphasizes preventative dental care, advanced diagnostics, and state-of-the-art treatment.

Faith Healing Practices in Patients with Psychiatric Disorders Attending a Tertiary Care Hospital in Madhya Pradesh, India: A Cross-sectional Survey

Introduction: Faith healing has been practiced in various cultures for many decades and is an accepted mode of treatment in different cultures. Beliefs about mental illness can affect patients’ willingness to seek and adhere to treatment, so it is important to consider cultural, traditional, and folk methods for conceptualising and managing mental illnesses. Aim: To assess the clinical and socio-cultural factors associated with faith healing and the effect of faith healing methods on the patients. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted at the Department of Psychiatry, MGM Medical College, Indore, Madhya Pradesh, India from January 2023 to March 2023. The sample comprised 100 consecutive patients selected by convenient sampling who had visited a faith healer for their disorder. A semi-structured proforma was administered to participants and their informants, which contained sociodemographic details, clinical information, and details of the faith healing practices they underwent. Descriptive statistics were used to assess the sample distribution, and measures of central tendency were applied. Results: The mean age of patients was 28.6±2.3 years, and the majority (66%) were male. The majority (48%) suffered from psychotic and mood disorders (28%). The majority (64%) contacted a faith healer as their first point of treatment contact. Most visited a healer on the advice of their family or friends (82%), followed by having supernatural or religious beliefs towards their illness (52%). The most common method of healing was offering a “Tabeej”/Talisman (82%), followed by “bhabooti”/“prasad”/ sacred water (77%). About 20 participants, or one-fifth of the sample, reported some improvement with faith healing, while most (74%) reported no improvement. Conclusion: The majority of the sample in the study believed in supernatural causation and resorted to faith healers before seeking medicinal treatment. Thus, awareness of and sensitivity to belief systems and faith healing practices in different cultures are important for mental health professionals.

Functional neurological disorder in Saudi Arabia: A retrospective study.

To describe the clinical profile of a sample of Saudi patients with Functional Neurological Disorder (FND). A retrospective chart review of FND patients seen from 2021-2023 at a neuropsychiatry clinic at an academic tertiary care center in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Out of 473 patients seen in the clinic during the review period, 52 (11%) had FND. Mean age was 34 years (standard deviation = 10.7), and 77% were female. Family dispute (39%) was the most reported risk factor, followed by sexual abuse (15%). The most common FND symptoms were nonepileptic seizures (61.5%) and abnormal movements (30.8%). Pain was reported by 57.7% and cognitive symptoms by 36.5%. FND symptoms were frequently attributed to supernatural causes (67.3%). During the last follow-up visit, 53.9% of patients reported FND symptom improvement, whereas 21.2% reported no change, 10.2% reported worsening, and 15% were lost to follow-up. The proportion of patients without symptom improvement was higher among patients with cognitive symptoms (45.5% vs 18% respectively, X2 = 10.08, df = 3, p = .018). The mean number of visits was highest in patients reporting worsening and the lowest was among patients reporting no change (F = 4.21, p = .017). The role of family disputes in FND in the Middle East, the role of supernatural concepts in how FND is perceived, and the relatively high rate of subjective improvement within this sample of Saudi FND patients merit further exploration. Cognitive symptoms may be another prognostic indicator. Prospective multicenter studies of those with FND using standardized assessment measures are needed.

Indigenous Perception About Epilepsy and Its Treatment with Ethno-Medicines

This qualitative study delves into the indigenous understanding of epilepsy and its treatment using ethno medicines within the Saraiki community of Pakistan. Employing in-depth interviews and a case study approach, this research uncovers the distinctive cultural beliefs, rituals, and viewpoints related to epilepsy in this community. The findings unveil a spectrum of interpretations surrounding epilepsy, with some attributing it to spiritual or supernatural causes. Moreover, the study sheds light on the significant role of ethno medicines in traditional healing practices, underlining their therapeutic value in the context of epilepsy management. Recognizing and respecting these indigenous perspectives is crucial for developing culturally sensitive approaches to epilepsy management, as it allows for the incorporation of traditional healing practices and holistic healthcare within the Saraiki community. By bridging the gap between conventional medical approaches and culturally rooted beliefs, this study not only enriches our understanding of how epilepsy is perceived and managed within the community but also contributes to more effective and inclusive healthcare strategies, ultimately improving the overall well-being of the Saraiki people.

Why Am I Ill? Beliefs in Supernatural and Natural Causes of Ill Health at the Time of Diagnostic Workup of Patients With Esophageal Cancer in Tanzania.

An understanding of the cultural and context-specific perceptions of the causes of cancer is an important prerequisite for designing effective primary health prevention and early detection strategies. We aimed to use the Murdock Ill Health Theoretical Model to conceptualize views on illness causation among dysphagia-suffering patients undergoing diagnostic workup for esophageal cancer (EC) in Tanzania. At the end of a structured interview on lifestyle habits, patients with suspected EC were asked about beliefs on the reasons behind their illness through (1) a set of questions with fixed binary answers, whose determinants were analyzed using logistic regression, and (2) a single question with free-text answers. Responses were coded using a hierarchy of natural and supernatural (godly and social constructs) causes. Among 322 patients interviewed between November 2015 and December 2019, we found complex and varied views about the origins of their illness. Overall, 49% of patients attributed illness to natural causes and 39% to supernatural causes. Natural causes ranged from infection, use of alcohol and tobacco, other ailments, and the environment. The supernatural causes included attributing illness to God, curses, and spells from personal acquaintances. Belief in supernatural causes was more common in the less educated and those who sought help first via a traditional healer. The results underscore the need for increased community awareness of biomedical causes of ill health and patient-based participatory research to inform prevention programs. The results also highlight the importance of building health systems that support a series of health-seeking behaviors that acknowledge both biomedical and local traditional healing belief systems.

Perceptions of causes and treatment of mental illness among traditional health practitioners in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Mental disorders are among the most poorly treated illnesses in sub-Saharan Africa. It is estimated that 70%-80% of South Africans consult traditional health practitioners for the treatment of psychological ailments. As traditional health practitioners maintain a strong role in assessing and treating patients with mental illness in this context, this study contributes to the burgeoning research literature on the topic. Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with 18 traditional health practitioners in Johannesburg, South Africa, between January and May 2022. Interviews were transcribed and translated into English. The data were managed using NVivo 12 software and thematically analysed. Traditional health practitioners interviewed generally perceived mental illness to be of supernatural causation, either as a result of bewitchment, a calling for patients to become THPs themselves, due to displeased ancestors, or due to natural causes. Traditional health practitioners identified eight primary treatments that they use for treating mental illness. Among these were throwing of bones (tinhlolo) to start communicating with ancestors, steaming (ukufutha) to start a cleansing process, sneezing (umbhemiso) to forcefully dispel the spirit causing the illness, induced vomiting (phalaza), and the administration of laxatives (mahlabekufeni) to remove the spirits poisoning the body as well as animal sacrifice to purge spirits and communicate with ancestors. This is all followed by cutting (ukucaba), which is the final part of the treatment and ensures that the evil spirit cannot return. Due to the ubiquity of traditional health practitioner usage for mental illness in sub-Saharan Africa, it is essential to understand what conceptions traditional health practitioners have of the aetiology of these disorders as well as their modalities for administering treatment.

Traditional therapists in Ebola virus disease outbreak response: Lessons learned from the fight against the Ebola virus disease epidemic in North Kivu and Ituri, Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Traditional healers co-exist with orthodox medicine, especially in cases with perceived supernatural causes and during outbreaks of infectious diseases like the Ebola virus disease (EVD) in the North Kivu and Ituri provinces in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). In this study, we examined the role and potential of involving traditional healers in the national response to the Ebola virus disease outbreak in the DRC. Seventeen community leaders and 20 traditional healers were interviewed. The traditional healers managed symptoms with herbs and were not inclined to refer cases to orthodox healthcare facilities because of their confidence in their ability to handle cases with supernatural causes. The community leaders attested to the acceptance of the traditional healers in the communities, which they attributed to the efficacy of traditional healing, its uncomplicated treatment process, cause of the prolonged cough, as well as cost and the need for secrecy. Traditional healers can be educated to promptly refer cases to Ebola treatment centers for timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Psychosocial aspects of Noma (Cancrum Oris) in sub-Saharan Africa: A scoping review.

Noma is a neglected tropical disease of an underserved population. Our review describes the volume and scope of existing research evidence on psychosocial aspects of Noma in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Our literature search was conducted on all original peer-reviewed research articles on the psychosocial aspects of Noma in each country in SSA using PubMed, Google Scholar, and a direct search of reference list of pertinent journal articles. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews guidelines was used to describe the review. A total of six studies were found in four countries of the region. One in three persons with Noma has a mental health condition, indices of social disadvantage and belief in the supernatural causation of the disease are very common. However, despite evidence of enormous need, a huge gap still exists in the area of psychosocial alleviation.

Prevalence, factors associated and knowledge of probable dementia among adults 50 years and over attending a faith-based geriatric center in Uganda

Dementia is on the rise due to increasing proportion of old people in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Although dementia is misattributed to normal ageing or supernatural causes in SSA, it is a brain disease with well-established etiologies. Limited knowledge and understanding of dementia means that many older people are suffering without seeking help and are undiagnosed and untreated. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and factors associated with probable dementia and to describe the knowledge of the disease among adults 50 years and over attending a faith-based geriatric center in Uganda. This was a cross-sectional study using quantitative methods. A total of 267 adults 50 years and over attending a faith-based geriatric center in Mukono, Uganda were interviewed between 1 April and 15 May 2022. Interviews were administered using the Early Dementia Questionnaire (EDQ) and Dementia Knowledge Assessment Scale (DKAS). Data on participants’ socio-demographics, economic income, living arrangement, history of smoking, alcohol consumption, exercise and past medical history was collected using an additional questionnaire. Adults 50 years and over were included in the study. Logistic regression analyses were done. Probable dementia was 46.2% in the sample. The most common symptoms of probable dementia in the order of their severity were memory symptoms, (β co-efficient β 0.08, p < .001), physical symptoms (β 0.08, p < .001), sleep disturbances (β 0.81, p < .001) and emotions (β 0.04, p < .027). The final degree of association as determined by adjusted PR in the multivariable model revealed that only older age (aPR = 1.88, p < .001) and occasional/non-believer (aPR = 1.61, p = .001) remained significantly related to probable dementia. The study also found that 8.0% of the participants had optimal knowledge of dementia. There is high burden of probable dementia among adults 50 years and over attending a faith-based geriatric center in Mukono, Uganda. Factors associated with probable dementia are older age and being an occasional/non-believer. Knowledge of dementia among older adults is low. There is need to promote integrated early dementia screening, care and educational program in primary care to reduce the disease burden. Spiritual support would be a rewarding investment in the lives of the ageing population.

Retracted Article: Patients' Supernatural Beliefs on Cause of Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is one of the most common nontraumatic disabling neurological disorders to affect young adults. It is a chronic autoimmune disease of the central nervous system presented with multifocal clinical findings modulated by various external factors.[1] [2] The cause of MS is unknown, but it has historically been classified as an organ-specific T-cell mediated autoimmune disease. Additionally, many genes may increase disease susceptibility in addition to several well-defined environmental factors such as low serum levels of vitamin D, smoking, ultraviolet B light exposure, childhood obesity, and infection with the Epstein–Barr virus.[1] However, considerably less attention is focused on supernatural causes in MS.[3] Herein, we discussed patients' supernatural beliefs on cause of MS to attract attention to the importance of plausible supernatural causes in MS.

Pin-Swallowing and Self-Destruction in Early Modern British and Irish Supernatural Narratives

ABSTRACT This article explores self-destructive behaviours in early modern Britain and Ireland through the phenomenon of pin-swallowing, as depicted in cases of bewitchment and possession. It argues that the involvement of witches and demons enabled the expression of self-destructive feelings without condemnation for such thoughts and actions. As supernatural belief was increasingly located within the mind of the individual in the eighteenth century, people were deprived of this outlet. The suicidal connotations of pins and their supernatural cause also sheds light on the different explanations which men and women were able to ascribe such impulses and behaviours.