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Examining the complementarity between biomedicine and ethnomedicine in Mozambique: A qualitative research approach
Eduardo Mondlane University, Mozambique.
University of Parana, Brazil.
Universidade Eduardo Mondlane, Mozambique.
University of Gävle, Faculty of Health and Occupational Studies, Department of Social Work, Criminology and Public Health Sciences, Public Health Science.ORCID iD: 0000-0003-4415-7942
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2025 (English)In: International Health Trends and Perspectives, ISSN 2563-9269, Vol. 5, no 1, p. 64-83Article in journal (Refereed) Published
Abstract [en]

Background: In Mozambique, Exclusive Breastfeeding (EBF) emerges as a fundamental element in promoting neonatal health, lying at the intersection of health care policies and the effectiveness of their implementation in communities. Given the complexity of barriers to exclusive breastfeeding, the objective of this study was to identify the assumptions for the complementarity between biomedicine and ethnomedicine aiming to strengthen  the national health system policy in the Mozambique context. Methods: A descriptive qualitative study was  carried out in Mozambique. A total of 30 lactating mothers (aged 18 to 43) ; 15 health care professionals ( aged 23-57) and 9 traditional medicine practitioners (healers/elders) aged (28 to 69) participated in the study; and data was collected through in-depth semi-structured interviews. Results: The study identified that EBF emerged not only as a globally recommended nutritional practice but also as a mandatory practice  with  hard social and cultural beliefs. Additionally key findings showed  that the practice of healers needs to be seen as a gift that goes beyond the domain and execution of biomedical technique, emphasizing the importance of relationships and symbolism in social life. Conclusion: The study findings highlight the relevance of traditional practices not only as cultural heritage but also as vital elements for  understanding contemporary Mozambican society.

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
Canada: Toronto Metropolitan University , 2025. Vol. 5, no 1, p. 64-83
Keywords [en]
Africa, Culture, Food Security, Health Policy, Public Policy
National Category
Public Health, Global Health and Social Medicine
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URN: urn:nbn:se:hig:diva-46700DOI: 10.32920/ihtp.v5i1.2262OAI: oai:DiVA.org:hig-46700DiVA, id: diva2:1948509
Available from: 2025-03-31 Created: 2025-03-31 Last updated: 2025-04-01Bibliographically approved

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CiteExportLink to record
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Cite
Citation style
  • apa
  • ieee
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  • Other style
More styles
Language
  • de-DE
  • en-GB
  • en-US
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  • nn-NO
  • nn-NB
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  • Other locale
More languages
Output format
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