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Understanding health-seeking behavior at the intersection of culture, religion and traditional healing in Debre Tabor City, Ethiopia: a qualitative sociological inquiry

Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Health-seeking behavior is influenced by sociocultural, religious, and structural factors, particularly in contexts where biomedical, traditional, and faith-based healing systems coexist. Ethiopia exemplifies such medical pluralism, yet limited empirical research has explored how people navigate these systems in practice. This qualitative study was conducted in Debre Tabor City, Ethiopia. Semi-structured and key informant interviews were carried out with 27 participants, including community members, religious leaders, traditional healers, healthcare professionals, and elders. Data were analyzed thematically, guided by Kleinman’s explanatory model of illness, medical pluralism theory, and Bourdieu’s theory of practice. Illness was interpreted through physical, spiritual, social, and divine frameworks, sustaining reliance on traditional and faith-based healing alongside biomedical care. Medical pluralism manifested in sequential and complementary therapeutic practices, particularly for chronic conditions. Religion provided psychological resilience and social support, while family and community networks strongly influenced treatment decisions. Structural constraints economic limitations, geographic accessibility, and perceived service quality further shaped healthcare choices, often reinforcing preference for traditional and religious modalities. Health-seeking behavior in Debre Tabor City is deeply embedded in sociocultural contexts. Effective healthcare delivery requires culturally responsive strategies that integrate biomedical, traditional, and faith-based healing systems. Collaborative engagement with trusted community actors is essential to enhance utilization and improve health outcomes. Not applicable.
DOI: 10.1186/s12939-026-03074-9
Language: English
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,690
OpenAlex ID: W7222416347
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