Health beliefs of the urban pare tribe living in Moshi, Tanzania

Abstract

This dissertation reports on the findings of a qualitative, exploratory, descriptive and contextual study into the health beliefs and practices of urban Pares, living in Moshi, Kilimanjaro Region, in Tanzania. The study utilised aspects of the transcultural nursing framework. Semi-structured interviews were used for data gathering with a sample of nine urban Pare informants. Data were analysed thematically. The major findings indicate that health beliefs arise from magico-religious, holistic and scientific paradigms. It was also found that beliefs and behaviour patterns are changing. These findings are discussed in terms of the two major themes, namely, multiple world views and change and continuity. Recommendations arising from the findings are made which may assist health workers to provide culturally congruent care.