Work

Exploring the influence of culture, religion, and law on public health, and their reciprocal impacts: a grey relational analysis approach

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: This study applies Grey Relational Analysis to examine the impact of culture, religion, and law on public health outcomes, focusing on vaccination uptake, compliance with public health measures, cervical cancer screening, and preventable disease incidence. The results reveal that cultural practices exert the strongest influence on health behaviours, particularly on vaccination and screening, while religious beliefs contribute to vaccine hesitancy. Legal frameworks, though essential in short-term compliance, show limited long-term effectiveness in shaping health outcomes. Our findings highlight the need for culturally tailored public health policies, especially in contexts where traditional practices and religious beliefs significantly affect healthcare decisions. This study offers insights for developing more effective, community-driven health strategies that integrate cultural and religious considerations.

Source: Discover Social Science and Health

DOI: 10.1007/s44155-025-00249-7

Authors: N. Dzupire, D. Nyirenda, C. Enerico, P. Phepa, P. Mwamtobe

Institutions: University of Malawi, Malawi University of Science and Technology, Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences

Language: English

Topic: Vaccine Coverage and Hesitancy

Subfield: Health

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Peace, justice, and strong institutions

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,490