The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

Abstract #42857

phoenix savage, MA, Research and Evaluation, Metro Health Department, 311 23rd St., nashville, TN 37203, 615-340-0549, phoenix_savage@mhd.nashville.org

Presently little emphasis is placed on the complementary and alternative health practices existing within the African American community. This presentation is based on recent and original research conducted in three Southern African American communities. The findings presented illustrate present day understanding and usage of Hoodoo, a magical/medical healing system dating back to the period of African enslavement in North America. In an exploration of the etiological health beliefs of specific disease states prevalent among African Americans and their help seeking behaviors towards these disease states, the study examined the inner workings of Hoodoo. The study explored in depth the historical and cultural relationship between Hoodoo and the larger society to define Hoodoo’s role in the help seeking behaviors of the respondents. Findings from the study indicate a continual employment of Hoodoo practices among the respondents. The continued use of Hoodoo points to the importance of health care providers to be cognizant of these practices. An understanding of Hoodoo offers the health care provider relative cultural information important to issues of cultural competency, an opportunity for improved patient care delivery, and insight into how issues of Hoodoo may impact patient compliance within the clinical setting.

Learning Objectives:

• To become familiar with the role of Hoodoo in the help seeking behaviors of rural African Americans. Opportunities to gain an understanding of a cultural factor which maybe contributing to patient noncompliance in the clinical setting.

Keywords: African American, Alternative Medicine/Therapies

Presenting author's disclosure statement: