Traditional beliefs and practices versus public health approach to COVID-19: Perspectives of social work academics in Zimbabwe

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has become a thorn in the flesh for many governments across the globe. This virus which has indiscriminately affected people of all walks of life has almost brought the entire world to a halt. The novel virus has been surrounded by  misconceptions, fears, myths and confusion and even the world's best health care systems and health practitioners have grappled to arrest it. Several misconceptions have occupied the minds of many in Africa. These misconceptions have been exacerbated by the fact that most recommendations by health experts are against African values and ways of life. This study, informed by the health belief model, sought to explore the perspectives of social work academics in Zimbabwe about the misconceptions around COVID-19 as well as
the interface between African traditional beliefs, practices and preventions measures promulgated to curb the virus. The study adopted a qualitative approach and purposive-convenience sampling techniques were used to select participants among social work academics in Zimbabwe. Data was collected through telephonic interviews. The study established that public health approach to COVID-19 interferes with certain traditional African beliefs and practices amongst black African people. Examples are social distancing, steps
taken in burial of Covid-19 victims, isolation of COVID-19 patients among other things. Social workers therefore have a role to play in creating awareness about the virus through the use of all platforms available to people, monitoring traditional events to ensure that people do not continue to be exposed to the virus, engaging traditional leaders and sensitise them on the dangers of not following
COVID-19 regulations among their community members.

Key words: social work, Covid-19, myths, academics, Ubuntu, public health approach