Exploring the lived experiences of women with infertility using traditional healthcare services in Harare urban, Zimbabwe.

Journal: African journal of reproductive health

Volume: 28

Issue: 7

Year of Publication: 2024

Affiliated Institutions:  Department of Global Public Health and Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Zimbabwe. Department of Laboratory Diagnostic and Investigative Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Zimbabwe. Department of Child, Adolescent and Women's Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Zimbabwe. Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Malawi.

Abstract summary 

Infertility has a significant impact on the lives of women. Therefore, affected women often consider the treatment options available to deal with their condition, including traditional healthcare services (THS). The aim of this phenomenological study was to explore the lived experiences of women with infertility problems who sought help from traditional health practitioners in Harare, Zimbabwe. Data from interviews with five women with infertility was explicated using a simplified version of Hycner (1985) five step explication process. Two major themes and eight sub themes emerged from the findings. The major themes were traditional diagnosis experiences and traditional treatment experiences. Consultation and divination were the diagnosis methods experienced by the women with infertility. The THS offered comprehensive management of infertility through couples therapy, as well as pre- and post-natal therapies, which include lifestyle counselling. The findings also showed that women with infertility commonly receive concurrent treatment, including both allopathic and traditional medicine. This presents an opportunity to explore the convergence of traditional and allopathic approaches in the management of infertility in women.

Authors & Co-authors:  Mashaah Thokozile T Gomo Exnevia E Maradzika Julita Chideme JC Madziyire Mugove Gerald MG January James J

Study Outcome 

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Statistics
Citations : 
Authors :  5
Identifiers
Doi : 10.29063/ajrh2024/v28i7.7
SSN : 1118-4841
Study Population
Female,Women
Mesh Terms
Humans
Other Terms
Study Design
Phenomenological Study
Study Approach
Country of Study
Zimbabwe
Publication Country
Nigeria