Cultural influences on seeking and accessing modern health care in Angola

Abstract

This study examined Angolan culture as an influence to accessing modern scientific health care with the aim to develop health information brochures to inform the population of the advantages of scientific medicine. The quantitative approach with an exploratory and descriptive design was applied in this study, using a questionnaire to collect data from 100 respondents by means of a convenience sample.

The findings indicated that most of the respondents were aware of what caused disease and illness in terms of modern knowledge, preferred to access government hospitals and also that government health care services were more affordable than some of the other alternatives. However, the study also found that a small section of the respondents believed in the powers and advantages of witch doctors, thus confirming that certain cultural issues still influenced the selection of assistance when health care and treatment is required. Recommendations were made through which health education could be distributed.