“The traditional healer said, ’I had a genie that scared me in my eyes, and that is why I fall“: An ethnographic study in Mahenge, Tanzania

Background

In many low-income countries, individuals with epilepsy often turn to traditional healers as their first source of treatment after the onset of seizures. However, their experiences with traditional healing practices remain poorly understood. This study examines the perceptions and experiences of people with epilepsy in relation to traditional healing in Mahenge, Tanzania.

Methods

A culturally specific ethnographic approach, centred on oral history, was employed to capture rich, contextually grounded narratives. A total of 45 oral history interviews were conducted with individuals living with epilepsy from 21 villages in Mahenge. Participants were purposively selected based on the following criteria: being at least 18 years of age, having a diagnosis of epilepsy, and the ability to recount their experiences in Swahili, the primary language spoken in the region. Data were manually analysed using thematic analysis.

Results

Traditional healers often attribute epilepsy to supernatural causes, such as curses or witchcraft, linking seizure onset to past events believed to have triggered the condition. Their treatment practices are frequently accompanied by strict behavioural restrictions, which can be challenging for individuals with epilepsy to follow and are sometimes cited as reasons for treatment failure. Moreover, some participants reported experiences of physical, emotional, and even sexual harassment during their encounters with traditional healers.

Conclusion

There is a strong reliance on traditional healing practices for epilepsy, where cultural beliefs and rituals can hinder accurate diagnosis and effective care. Raising awareness about epilepsy, its medical management, and the rights of people with epilepsy, both among traditional healers and the broader community, is essential to improve care and protect the well-being of those affected.