Superstitious Beliefs Research Articles

Mulethi (licorice): real but unrecognised hazards of superstitions in mothers: a case report

Licorice extract has long been known as a natural sweetener and thirst reliever. Many people who take large amounts and are prone to complications overestimate its nutritional benefits. Glycyrrhetic acid, the active metabolite in licorice, inhibits 11-ß-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase enzyme type 2 causing increased cortisol levels and hypernatremia, hypokalemia. In this case report, we ensure a holistic study of licorice, as well as the documented side effects of excessive consumption. The study emphasises the necessity of looking into dietary habits and herbal medicines that are utilised around the world based on cultural and habitual grounds rather than scientific data. Not many case reports are available on this particular aspect of licorice consumption and its unknown adverse effects. We anticipate that our review will serve as a deterrent to parents’s superstitious beliefs on the benefits of licorice consumption.

Supernaturalism and oral health: a case report

<p>Superstitious beliefs have frequently been observed among patients in our daily procedures. A belief that is not supported by scientific information is considered superstitious. Superstition is frequently used by traditional healers to treat human health issues and diseases, which puts them at odds with the medical community's use of evidence-based treatment methods. Dental and medical experts agree that this type of practice is risky since it is carried out by unskilled individuals using unsterilized devices in unclean settings. Certain customs that go against the advice of conventional medical professionals are harmful to the public's health. Depending on the sort of practice used, they may have an impact on the affected population's oral and overall health. Treating oral health requires thorough knowledge of oral cavity and any home remedies cannot cure it. This case report highlights a case of such misconception in treating tooth pain at home, which resulted in a tragedy that reported to the department of oral medicine diagnosis and radiology of Sree Balaji dental college and hospital.</p>

Knowledge and Perception of Risk in Pregnancy and Childbirth among Women in Low-Income Communities in Accra

Perception and knowledge of risk factors for pregnancy influence health behaviors during pregnancy and childbirth. We used a descriptive qualitative study to examine the perception and knowledge of risk factors in pregnancy and childbirth in low-income urban women in Ghana. Over the course of three-months, 12 focus group discussions and six individual interviews were conducted with 90 participants selected from six communities in the study area. Data were analyzed using inductive-thematic content analysis. Findings revealed that participants had knowledge of some risk factors, although some had superstitious beliefs. Participants viewed pregnancy as an exciting and unique experience, but also challenging, with a host of medical and psychological risks. Pre-existing medical conditions (e.g., diabetes), lack of physical activity, poverty, poor nutrition, and lack of social support were identified as conditions that could lead to negative pregnancy outcomes. Superstitious beliefs such as exposure to “evil eye” during pregnancy, as well as curses and spells, were also identified as risk factors for pregnancy complications. This research has implications for policies and programs to improve pregnancy outcomes for low-income women in Ghana. Thus, we recommend social and economic support programs as well as health education to change misperceptions about pregnancy risk and to support other efforts being made to improve maternal health outcomes.

Perceived risk of COVID-19 diagnosis and stigma among Nigerians

The World Health Organization (WHO) classified Nigeria as one of the 13 African countries with a higher risk of spreading COVID-19. Although the Nigerian government and its health agencies set directives in place to help curb the spread of COVID-19, there are instances of unconcerned attitudes and adherence to false and superstitious beliefs surrounding COVID-19 among Nigerians. The current study examined the general perception of COVID-19 risk among Nigerians. Additionally, it examined the fear of possible stigmatization if an individual is diagnosed with COVID-19. A cross-section of 332 Nigerian men and women responded to measures on perceived vulnerability to diseases, perception of risk of being infected with COVID-19, COVID-19 stigma, and social and demographic characteristics. The findings show that respondents with a higher perception of vulnerability to diseases reported higher COVID-19 risk and perception of COVID-19-related stigma. Further, we found that gender, age, and education impacted COVID-19 risk and perception of COVID-19-related stigma. Our findings suggest that risk perceptions and attitudes towards COVID-19 can impact the level of preparedness against a pandemic. Also, the findings could inform strategies for the proper implementation of health protective measures at national, state, and local government levels during a viral outbreak.

Oculocutaneous albinism in southern Africa: Historical background, genetic, clinical and psychosocial issues.

Albinism is an inherited condition associated with significant depigmentation of the skin, hair and eyes. It occurs in every population with varying frequency, and narratives of people with albinism have been recorded since 200 BC. In southern Africa albinism is common, about 1 in 4000 people are affected, but it remains a poorly understood condition surrounded by myths and superstition. This article provides a historical background on oculocutaneous albinism (OCA) in southern Africa and presents relevant information from the literature regarding epidemiology, genetics and genetic counselling, health, psychosocial and cultural issues, and medical care. There are several recessively inherited types of OCA and a mutation, responsible for about 80% of South African variants, has been identified in OCA type 2. The physical characteristics associated with albinism, that is, sun-sensitive skin and low vision, can be managed. However, people with OCA in Africa also experience psychosocial issues, such as discrimination, because of the various superstitious beliefs and attitudes held in the community. Management should include medical care for health problems, appropriate adjustment of the schooling context and genetic counseling. In addition, widespread public awareness programmes are required to increase the knowledge of the genetic causes of OCA and of the nature of genetic counselling, to address the negative attitudes in the community, to reduce the marginalisation and stigmatization of people with albinism and to improve their quality of life.

Shipwrecks: Their impact on the behavioural patterns of sailors and on littoral societies during the age of sail in the western Indian Ocean, circa 800–1600

This article begins by investigating the construction techniques of medieval Indian ships to explore the extent to which the building methods were responsible for shipwrecks. Then, the article attends to the impacts of a shipwreck on the minds or behaviour of sailors. A link is drawn between various superstitious beliefs and certain irrational behaviour among sailors in the Indian Ocean and shipwrecks. The dreaded nature of a voyage would often create panic among sailors, which led them to various superstitious beliefs. However, a voyage would also attract many with the promise of adventure. The article also discusses how the atmosphere in the ship played the role of a catalyst in shaping the behaviour of the mariners. Finally, the article explores the ramifications of shipwrecks in littoral societies across the western Indian Ocean. During the medieval period, merchants from different regions and countries whose livelihood depended on the maritime trade settled in port towns. Moreover, littoral people relied on the supply of products from across the oceans for their livelihoods. Therefore, the smooth conduct of shipping was necessary for these coastal people. This article examines how a shipwreck would impact sectors of the littoral society in general and sailors in particular. Although the paucity of sources sets limits on the extent to which these aspects can be reconstructed, a number of contemporary traveller accounts shed light on the situation.

Conspiracy Illusion, Superstitions, and Death Anxiety of Older Adults Who Refused Covid-19 Vaccination in Iran: A Cross-Sectional Study on Their Beliefs.

The study was aimed to assess mental health of the older adults who did not participate in the three stages of national vaccination program. As a descriptive-analytical study, about 285 Iranian older people were interviewed in 2022. Data collection tools included demographic characteristics, conspiracy scale, superstitious beliefs instrument, and Templer death anxiety. The convenience sampling method was used and data were analyzed using BIM-SPSS version 28. Death anxiety statistically effect on conspiratory and superstitions with scores 0.190 and 0.320 using adjusted Eta squared, respectively and superstitious beliefs effected 81% of conspiracy as well (p = 0.001). Using ROC analysis, the cutoff points for conspiracy of men and women and final SEM model were extracted too. Interaction of conspiracy illusion, superstitions with death anxiety during the pandemic time among vulnerable groups i.e ageing community can shape a decision line in health policy making.

Relationship of Superstitious Beliefs and Self Efficacy with the Role of Education and SocioEconomic Status; A study at Garrison University Lahore Pakistan

Objective: To determine the relationship between superstitious beliefs and self-efficacy among participants and explore selfefficacy, age, education, gender and socioeconomic status as the significant predictors of superstitious beliefs among participants.
 Study Design: Cross-sectional study.
 Place and Duration of Study: Garrison University, Lahore Pakistan, from May to Nov 2020.
 Methodology: Total number of 200 study participants, age ranged of 18 to 50 years, were selected. The questionnaires; (1) a measure to superstitions scale and (2) general self-efficacy scale, were used to analyze the relationship between superstitious beliefs and self-efficacy with the role of ageing, education and socioeconomic status among participants.
 Result: Out of 200 male and female participants, study results reveal that superstitions belief and self-efficacy were correlated positively in a very small to moderate direction. Moreover, the study result showed that age (β=0.10), gender (β=0.05), socioeconomic status (β=0.91), and self-efficacy (β=0.24) were positively predicting superstitious beliefs while education (β=- 0.09) was negatively predicting the superstitious beliefs among participants.
 Conclusion: The results of the study showed the positive correlation between superstitious beliefs and self-efficacy among participants. Furthermore, the study concluded that participants' age, gender, socioeconomic status and self-efficacy were positive predictors of superstitious belief.

Hesitancy from Covid-19 Vaccination: A Study of Medical Discourses pertaining to Challenges encountered by the Pakistani Physicians

Pakistani medics faced many hesitancy issues among general public from vaccination during the upsurge of Covid-19 which remained prevalent not only in Pakistan but across the world. This paper attempts to describe the challenges encountered by the Pakistani physicians regarding anti-vaccination approach of general public based on certain superstitions. To achieve the objective, this paper plans to obtain data from various medical journals and editorials. This research is qualitative and descriptive in nature. The study is guided by the Socio-cognitive Model by Van Dijk (2008) as it confiscated the ideological connection between discourse, society and apprehension into consideration. Language is viewed as social practice from the perspective of CDA which signifies the particular interest in the course of actions through which language expresses power relations and ideologies (Fairclough, 2015). This study intends highlighting the ideological perspective of medical discourses influenced by the self-created superstitious beliefs of general public.

Eclampsia a preventable tragedy: an African overview.

Eclampsia is a multisystemic disease associated with various complications which individually or in combination can lead to maternal/fetal morbidity and mortality. Developed countries and some developing countries were largely successful in reducing the incidence of eclampsia. Developing countries especially those in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) are still dealing with high incidence of eclampsia. The question is why have the incidence and mortality of eclampsia remained high in SSA? The risk factors for this disease are globally the same but a critical assessment showed that there are certain risk factors thatare common in Sub-Saharan Africa (multiple pregnancy, sickle cell disease, pregnancies at the extremes of reproductive age, pre-existing vasculitis). In addition, there are compounding factors (illiteracy, poverty, superstitious beliefs, poor prenatal care services, poorly trained manpower and lack of facilities to cater for patients). Addressing the menace of this disease require a holistic approach which among others, includes education to address beliefs and reduce harmful practices, poverty alleviation which will improve the ability for communities to afford health care services. Improving transport services to convey patients quickly to facilities on time when there is need. Improving the health infrastructure, building more facilities, providing trained and motivated manpower and regular supply of quality essential drugs for the management of the disease. This review is meant to analyze factors prevalent in Sub-Saharan that hinder reducing incidence of the disease and provide comprehensive and cost-effective solutions.

Reproductive Effects of Medicinal Plant (Azadirachta indica) Used as Forage and for Ethnoveterinary Practices: New Insights from Animal Models

In some African and Asian countries, Azadirachta indica (AI) has been fed to livestock for decades and traditionally used to treat certain animal and human diseases. Recently, there are suspicions that the plant may possess anti-reproductive properties and concerns that the continued use of AI as forage or for folkloric medicine may detrimentally affect reproduction in the subjects. To address these challenges, this work determined the reproductive and fertility effects of a methanolic seed extract of AI (MSEAI) using adult female albino rats (AFARs) as an experimental model. Sixty-four AFARs were randomly assigned into four groups (A–D) of sixteen rats each. Group A was the control while groups B, C and D were treated daily with 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg of MSEAI respectively, for 28 consecutive days via oral gavage. Blood samples were collected for hormonal and biochemistry assays. Ovarian samples from the experimental rats were harvested for histopathological studies. Thereafter, the remaining experimental rats were bred, and certain fertility indices determined. The mean serum FSH and LH levels were significantly decreased (p ≤ 0.05) in the 100 and 200 mg/kg groups. The histopathological studies revealed massive follicular degeneration in the 100 and 200 mg/kg treatment groups. The fertility indices indicated that the post-implantation survival index was 100% in the control and 0% in the 200 mg/kg treatment group. No abortion occurred in the control and 50 mg/kg groups, but 25% and 100% of the pregnant does aborted in the 100 and 200 mg/kg treatment groups, respectively. Considering that high doses (100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg) of MSEAI had significant anti-reproductive and antifertility properties, the use of AI as forage or for ethnoveterinary medicine in breeding females may adversely affect their reproductive potentials. However, the anti-reproductive and antifertility effects could be utilized in rodent depopulation programs in animal agriculture and as a contraceptive to limit the proliferation of stray dogs, known to be reservoirs of the rabies virus in developing countries. Moreover, the MSEAI could be further refined for human use as an effective, cheap, eco-friendly and acceptable alternative to synthetic/modern contraceptives, the use of which is limited in developing nations due to superstitious beliefs and their multiple side effects.

Reimagining Witches in Contemporary Hindi Cinema: A Study of “Bulbbul” and “Roohi”

Witch-hunting, an age-old practice in India, survives in a myriad of avatars in rural and urban areas. These avatars of witch-hunting have often been trapped in the binary of Indian modernity and Indian traditions, with the latter often embracing unchallenged superstitious beliefs. Herein we study the way the binary is handled in two recent telefilms, namely Bulbbul and Roohi, as they aim to revolutionise the portrayal of witches in Hindi cinema. The paper looks at how the films in question subvert the genesis of witches and witch-hunts, and how in the process of undermining superstitious belief, they situate witches as embodiment of an emancipatory discourse that resists the silencing of women, a practise still serves the patriarchal standards of a heteronormative, bourgeois society. In so doing, our reading of the films engages with questions such as: How have witches been defined in Indian culture? How are these witches being imagined in the films in question? What implications do these redefinitions have in terms of the feminist movement in India, or in terms of the larger portrayal of Indian women in Hindi cinema?

Number 19: Another Victim of the COVID-19 Pandemic?

Conscious selection is the mental process by which lottery players select numbers nonrandomly. In this paper, we show that the number 19, which has been heard, read, seen, and googled countless times since March 2020, has become significantly less popular among Belgian lottery players after the World Health Organization named the disease caused by the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 “COVID-19”. We argue that the reduced popularity of the number 19 is due to its negative association with the COVID-19 pandemic. Our study triangulates evidence from field data from the Belgian National Lottery and survey data from a nationally representative sample of 500 Belgian individuals. The field data indicate that the number 19 has been played significantly less frequently since March 2020. However, a potential limitation of the field data is that an unknown proportion of players selects numbers randomly through the “Quick Pick” computer system. The survey data do not suffer from this limitation and reinforce our previous findings by showing that priming an increase in the salience of COVID-19 prior to the players’ selection of lottery numbers reduces their preference for the number 19. The effect of priming is concentrated amongst those with high superstitious beliefs, further supporting our explanation for the reduced popularity of the number 19 during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Kur'an'da Sınırlayıcı Bir Kayıt İfadesi: Allah’ın İzni

Kur’an, insanların Allah’la, diğer insanlarla ve toplumla ilişkilerini düzenleyen; onların dünya ve ahiret hayatında mutluluğa erişme yollarını onlara sunan pek çok konuya temas etmektedir. Ayetlerde üzerinde durulan meseleler kimi zaman ana hatlarıyla ve genel manada ele alınırken kimi zaman ayrıntılar üzerinde durulmakta, istisnai durumlardan bahsedilmektedir. Farklılık arz eden bu durum Kur’an’ın ana konuları açısından ilgili meselenin önemli olması kadar muhatap insanların iddiaları ve yanlış inançlarının dikkate alınmasıyla da ilgili olabilmektedir. Kur’an’ın temel hedefleriyle alakalı bu durum, meselenin ayetlerde konu edilmesinde etkilidir. Yüce Allah ilahi vahyinde beyan ettiği kimi konularda istisnai durumları ve özel ifadeleri zikretmektedir. Söz konusu ifade içerisinde bazı lafızların öne çıktığı görülmektedir. Bunlardan biri de “izin” ifadesinin Allah’a isnat edilerek zikredilmesidir. Allah Teâla, bazı konularda kendi iznini bir kayıt ifadesi olarak beyan etmekte ve konunun ancak bu sınırlayıcı lafızla birlikte değerlendirilmesini emretmektedir. Sözü edilen bu durum bazen muhatapların yanlış inanç ve tavırlarıyla alakalı olan bir meseleyle ilgili olabilmektedir. Kimi zaman ise sahih dini anlayış konusunda değer verilen bir konuyla alakalı olarak bu lafzın zikredildiği görülmektedir. İlahi vahyin insanlara iletilmesinde peygamberin önemli bir konumda olduğu açıktır. Bu bakımdan peygamberin Allah tarafından gönderildiği konusunda inancın din algısının sağlam zemine oturması açısından önemi büyüktür. Kur’an ayetlerinde peygamberin ancak Allah’ın izniyle gönderildiği üzerinde hassasiyetle durulmaktadır. Allah’ın vahyinin peygambere iletilmesi ve peygamberin seçimiyle ilgili ayetlerde “Allah’ın izni” ifadeleri dikkat çekmektedir. Özellikle muhatapların Hz. Peygamber’den mucize istekleri de ayetlerde konu edilmiştir. Mucize konusunda ancak Allah’ın izninin belirleyici olduğu beyan edilmektedir. Bu bakımdan mucize konusunda esas failin Allah olduğu vurgulanmaktadır. Diğer bazı peygamberlerin mucizelerine de atıf yapılarak Allah’ın izni kaydı zikredilmektedir. Dinin muhataplar tarafından kabul edilmesi ve hayata geçirilmesi meselesi Kur’an’da öne çıkan konular arasındadır. Gerek iman gerekse amel boyutunda insanların farklı seçimlerinin olabileceği, bu bakımdan kimsenin zorlanmayacağı hakikatine ayetlerde dikkat çekilmektedir. Sözü edilen bu ayetlerde imana ermenin, dinin gereklerini yerine getirmenin ve böylece gerçek kurtuluş yeri olan cennete ulaşmanın ancak Allah’ın izniyle mümkün olacağı beyan edilmektedir. Kur’an’da helal ve haram hususunda mutlak hüküm verme yetkisinin sadece Allah’a ait olduğu konusunun vurgulandığı bilinmektedir. Bu bakımdan helal ve haram hükmü verilirken bunun Allah’ın iznine dayanması üzerinde durulmaktadır. İnsanların Allah’a şirk koştukları varlıkların kendilerine şefaatçi olacakları şeklindeki batıl inançları da ayetlerde konu edilmektedir. Sözü edilen algının büyük bir yanlış olduğu, Allah’ın şefaat konusundaki izninin belirleyici olduğu beyan edilmektedir. Bu açıdan kıyamet günü mutlak yetkinin sadece Allah’ın olduğu, konuşmanın bile ancak O’nun izin vermesiyle mümkün olacağı beyan edilmektedir. Musibet, zarar ve savaş Allah’ın izin kaydıyla beyan ettiği konular arasındadır. Bir musibet ya da zarar verici durumun ancak Allah’ın izniyle gerçekleşebileceği beyan edilirken Allah’ın yüce iradesi ve kapsayıcı kudretine işaret edilmektedir. Savaşın insanlık tarihi adına karşı konulamaz bir gerçek olduğu ortadadır. Ayetlerde savaşa izin verilmesinden savaşta takip edilecek metoda kadar Allah’ın izninin öne çıkartıldığı görülmektedir. Aynı zamanda Allah’ın izniyle savaştaki dengeleri değiştireceği ve galibiyeti ihsan edeceği beyan edilmektedir. Çalışmada “izin” ifadesinin Allah’a nispet edilerek zikredildiği ayetlerden bahsedilmektedir. Ayetlerde bahsi geçen konulardaki istisnai durumların, Kur’an’ın genel anlam ağı içindeki değerinden ve öneminden söz edilmektedir. “İzin” kelimesinin sahip olduğu anlamlara işaret edilerek tefsir kaynaklarındaki farklı yorumlar üzerinde durulmaktadır. İslam düşünce tarihi içinde değişkenlik gösteren bu yorumların arka planlarından bahsedilmektedir. Kur’an’ın, muhatapların inanç ve algılarını yönlendiren, yanlış ve batıl yollara sapmaktan onları sakındıran, sınırlandıran dil örgüsünün beyan edilmesi bakımından çalışmanın yol gösterici olması umulmaktadır.

Does the effect of the annual year taboo exist? Empirical evidence from senior managers’ zodiac year and corporate inefficient investment

Based on the unique folk belief of the zodiac year, this study explores the effect of senior managers' zodiac year on corporate inefficient investment (CII) using data from Chinese A-share listed companies from 2006 to 2019. The study findings are as follows: (1) senior managers are more conservative and cautious in their zodiac year. Increasing risk aversion prevents blind investment and inhibits CII. (2) The restraining effect of the zodiac year on CII is more apparent in nonstate-owned enterprises, regions with low marketization levels, Central China, and Northeast China. This effect is attributed to the degree of superstitious belief of senior managers and becomes more pronounced with increasing age. The zodiac years of the Year of the Ox, Year of the Dragon, and Year of the Pig affect the Annual Year Taboo the most; meanwhile, the zodiac years of the CEO and the chairman exert a more significant effect than that of the vice-chairman. In addition, the restraining effect is only reflected in the zodiac year and draws a significantly negative market reaction. (3) The level of cash holdings is a potential channel for senior managers to improve corporate investment efficiency in managers’ zodiac year. By providing unique evidence from the Eastern cultural context, this study enriches the research literature on emerging market culture and business management.

Obstacles to Acquire Modern Medical Institutional Facility with Special Reference to Maternal Health Care among Tribals of South Bastar in Chhattisgarh

Introduction: The Maternal Mortality Ratio of Chhattisgarh is 269 (SRS 2010-11) which are higher than the National average (178). If we analyze the state wise data of MMR we found that Chhattisgarh is fourth in position amongst all states of India. Maternal and child health care is an important aspect of health seeking behaviour which is largely neglected among the tribal groups (Basu et al., 1990). It has been seen that inspite of a lot of government incentive programmes for women health care and development, some obstacles create obstruction to acquire modern medical institutional facilities. It is a burning concern for the development because the problems of tribal women differ from a particular area to another area owing to their geographical location, historical background and the processes of social change (Chauhan, A., 1990). Objectives: The study concerned with the objective of understanding the gap between government modern health facilities and tribal women with special reference to maternal health care. Study Area: For the study purpose tribal dominating villages of south Bastar, Chhattisgarh was selected. Chhattisgarh is known as 10th largest state of India where Bastar is known as its rich and uniqueness of bio-cultural diversity in the whole world. Methodology: Random sampling technique was the key instrument for selecting sample as well as Snowball sampling is also used to identify a few households where maternal and infant related problems occurred through some key informants in the village and ask each of them to identify households where maternal problems have occurred. Questionnaire on different variables of knowledge, attitudes, belief and opinion about government health institution were organised by direct interview. Along with above semi participatory observation was strength for the data collection. Result: The findings stated that the acceptance of modern institutional health facilities is poor amongst tribal people. In addition, a lot of females suffered from ill health due to pregnancy and childbirth in the absence of a well defined concept of health consciousness. Conclusion: The health problems of mothers arise as a result of synergistic effects of malnutrition, poverty, illiteracy, unhygienic living conditions, infections and unregulated fertility. Apart from that superstitious beliefs play an essential obstruction to acquire modern medical facilities. At the same time, poor infrastructure and ineffective public health services is also responsible for low inadequate obstetric care. Keywords: Maternal mortality; Seeking behavior; Modern medical institutional; Tribal women; Superstitious beliefs.

Nexus Between Poverty and Superstitious Beliefs among Tribal Communities of Assam: A Case Study of Rabha Tribe

Superstitious beliefs are found to be widely prevalent among all cultures and communities across the globe. Despite the progress of science and technology, superstitious beliefs still exist in our society. As such, superstitions are often perpetuated due to illiteracy and ignorance. With this backdrop, the present study tries to analyse the status of poverty and its impact on superstitious beliefs among tribal communities with special focus on the Rabha community, one of the scheduled tribes in the plain districts of Assam, India. A total of 24 statements expressing superstitious beliefs have been collected with the help of review of relevant literature, consulting with social scientists, and a few local people in the study area. These 24 statements have been factor analysed by using principal component analysis and finally 18 statements have been selected for constructing a superstitious index at household level. Poverty status has been measured by applying the Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI). The findings show the presence of poverty among the Rabha Community of Goalpara district. Regression results show that poverty has a positive impact on superstitious beliefs and there exist a high correlation between the two variables.

Beliefs and behaviors of patients' relatives towards childhood epilepsy in Turkey

Background/AimBeliefs about health-related problems throughout history are conveyed differently. Unsafe practices based on the superstitious beliefs of patients’ relatives in situations requiring emergency medical attention, such as childhood epilepsy, or in the treatment of chronic diseases may be harmful to children's health.Our study aims to determine the superstitious beliefs, attitudes, and behaviours of the relatives of children with epilepsy. MethodsA total of 252 relatives of patients diagnosed with childhood epilepsy were included in this cross-sectional study conducted between 15 September and 15 October 2019. The data collection form contained questions about the sociodemographic information of the participants and their beliefs and behaviours towards the disease.The frequency (percentage) and mean were used to summarise the data obtained through the application of the questionnaire, and Student's t-test and correlation methods were used for group comparisons; p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. ResultsIn the study, 77.0% of the participants were women, 77.4% were mothers, 43.3% were primary school graduates, 71.8% were unemployed, 77.7% had a low income, 52% lived within a distance of less than 1 km, and 157 of them used folk medicine. There was no relationship between education, income, distance from health institutions, occupation, use of traditional methods, and superstitions. A relationship was found between the relatives of patients with resistant epilepsy who stated that the cause of the disease was superstition (p = 0.036). There was also a correlation between the use of traditional methods (p = 0.006), presence of resistant epilepsy, indication of the cause of the disease as superstition (p = 0.004), and use of traditional methods (p = 0.005). ConclusionOur study shows that approximately four-fifths of the participants had superstitious beliefs about epilepsy and exhibited attitudes and behaviours suggestive of neglect that are unsafe for children. Whilst the individual characteristics of the participants did not affect negative attitudes and behaviours, the presence of resistant epilepsy in their children increased the negative attitude tendency.

Early Community based Ayu-Emergency Intervention in Psychiatric Emergencies: A Community Based Participatory Research

IntroductionPsychiatry emergencies in India is major challenge for emergency service providers due to rapid growth of various behavioural, higher morbidity and mortality rate. Despite, psychiatry conditions are neglected area related to stigma, share, lack of awareness, and superstitious beliefs. There is an urgent need for specialist psychiatric emergency services, which can fill the huge gap between policymakers and health service providers joined together.ObjectivesPresent feasibility study has been undertaken to evaluate the safety and efficacy of combined emergency and Ayurveda medicine management of psychiatric emergencies in community-based settings.Methods Ayu-Emergency Care project was developed in partnership with policy makers, researchers and health care providers, a collaborative platform of emergency medicine and Ayurveda medicine (Indian Traditional Medicine) for developing whole-system perspective, where providers work in a coordinated and joined-up way. Twenty trained care providers in psychiatry emergency and Ayurveda management worked in partnership with community-based organisation.ResultsPatients with major clinical difficulties, in the acute phase were treated and managed by Ayu-Emergencypractitioners. Severe Agitation and violence relating to substance abuse, anxiety disorder and psychosis were the most common admission diagnoses. 2-weeks results indicate that Ayurveda intervention can reduce anxiety(p&lt;0.01), aggression (p&lt; 0.001) and agitation (p&lt;0.01) significantly with no side effects reported. Intervention found to be clinically beneficial and cost-efficient alternative to out-of-home placements (i.e., Incarceration, psychiatric hospitalisation).ConclusionsThe study’s findings highlight safety, efficacy and feasibility of intervention. Patients both prefer and seem to benefit from community-based ayu-psychiatric care, and early-intervention community program could be a good model for such care.DisclosureNo significant relationships.

Photos from the family archive as a source for the study of the wedding rite language

The article clarifies the role of photos from family archives as a source for the study of wedding ceremonies, its nomination and folk beliefs associated with one of the main family ceremonies. It is noted that photos are important sources for multi-aspect linguistic, ethnographic, culturological, historical research, as they are documents of their time, which are perceived by contemporaries as those providing reliable information. It is emphasized that for the detailed description of the stages, nomination of the wedding ceremony and superstitious beliefs associated with it, researchers usually use detailed questionnaires, but best of all phenomena of all language levels of the sub-dialect are recorded in continuous texts that appear in spontaneous stories. Viewing a photo evokes positive emotions in the speaker and helps to present a story-memory, which is characterized by markers of the time layer “before” (then, those, at that time), cliches, phonetic, lexical, grammatical features, syntactic constructions characteristic of the sub0dialect, which is represented by the narrator. The sources of the article were the family archives of 3 residents of the villages of Butsni and Seferivka of Bar district, Vinnytsia region, which are typical Podillia sub-dialects. The article notes that the nomination of stages, participants and attributes of the wedding ceremony can be revealed by event (depicting individual moments of events, actions, facts of life) and portrait (images of one or more people) photographs. Different photos of the wedding ceremony allow us to trace the reduction of the ceremony itself and the dynamics of the lexical elements that serve it. Keywords: nomination of the wedding ceremony, Podillia sub-dialects, story-memory, Podillia dialect, text-centrism of dialectological research, event and portrait photographs.