Cultural Beliefs, Poverty, and Quackery: A Qualitative Study of Patients’ Health-Seeking Behaviors

Abstract

Abstract

Objective: This study aims to explore the prevalence of quackery in rural healthcare systems, significantly affecting the health outcomes and decision-making of rural populations. This research examines the phenomenon of magical healing with a focus on the patients’ views and the reasons for the patients to depend on the unqualified practitioners.

Methods: It employs a qualitative approach, where data were collected through in-depth interviews with twenty patients as respondents, as well as key informants. Data was collected by applying the life history method, which helped to gain profound and reliable information on patients' social sufferings. Besides this, participant observation, field notes, and a Focused Group Discussion were used for data collection. The field data was analyzed by observing trends in Patients.

Results: The existing knowledge includes reporting factors such as poverty, culture, health ignorance, and public dependence on public health systems that influence a patient’s decision to turn to quacks. These quacks take advantage of faith, proximity, and cheap services, and these patients suffer more health problems, longer healing times, and later, worse complications. Also, the research brings attention to the inequities that women must bear because of discrimination in seeking medical attention.

Conclusion: In conclusion the problems of quackery and the practice of magical healing in rural areas of Pakistan are longstanding, and the first step towards addressing these factors should be a focus on education, credentialing of quacks, and health system development. The potential of linking the belief and evidence-based medicine domains is to improve health outcomes and reduce dependency on harmful activities among rural populations.