Respect as the main lay care activity among the Bena in Ilembula village in Tanzania

Baridi: A Culture-Bound Syndrome Among the Bena Peoples in Tanzania

The aim of this ethnographic study is to describe baridi, a culture-bound syndrome of the Bena peoples in the village of Ilembula, Tanzania. The data were collected through open-ended interviews (n = 49), observation and personal field diary, and analyzed by qualitative content analysis. The findings showed that baridi, emotional coldness, was a slowly progressing condition. It started with mild symptoms, such as feeling cold, tired and sick. Later, it influenced the sufferer’s physical, mental, social, sexual, and economical well being. Treatment of baridi was based on identification of the cause, asking for forgiveness and sharing a ritual confirming family unity. Prevention of baridi required respect of the elderly and familial norms. The findings may advance professional understanding of cultural knowledge by demonstrating how sociocultural conditions produce variations in health.

Meanings of care by bereaved relatives of homicide victims in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania: implications for nursing

PURPOSE

The purpose was to describe the meanings of care, kutunza, for the deceased and the relatives of homicide victims. The secondary aim was to identify ways in which nurses could best console the families.

METHOD

An ethnonursing method was employed. Relatives of homicide victims in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, were interviewed at a mortuary, using an interview guide constructed with Leininger's enablers as major elements. Content analysis was performed according to Leininger's phases of ethnonursing analysis of qualitative data.

FINDINGS

Families of 30 homicide victims were studied. The mean age of the victims was 30.7 years, range 17 to 47 years. All victims, except 1, were male. The informants included 29 relatives and two close friends. The following four themes were identified: (a) providing basic needs, (b) paying attention as if one were kin, (c) consoling through gathering, and (d) caring for each other.

CONCLUSIONS

Care is manifested by respectful attention to the preparation of the deceased and by providing an environment by which the community can gather to console the bereaved family.

IMPLICATIONS

Respectful preparation of the deceased's body is essential. Nurses can provide emotional support to the families and find an area where the extended family can grieve and console each other.