Perception and Beliefs of Clergy Regarding on Epilepsy Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| dc.contributor.advisor | Abenet Tafesse | |
| dc.contributor.advisor | Yared Zenebe | |
| dc.contributor.advisor | Seblewongel Anbessie | |
| dc.contributor.advisor | Mulugeta Tamirie | |
| dc.contributor.author | Mesfin Behailu | |
| dc.date.accessioned | 2026-02-17T07:29:25Z | |
| dc.date.available | 2026-02-17T07:29:25Z | |
| dc.date.issued | 2025-02-12 | |
| dc.description.abstract | Epilepsy is old disease of brain and accompanying with misconception. the first choice of place in the pathway in the treatment of epilepsy patients in Ethiopia is holy water due to religion beliefs. As a result, modern treatments are not the main treatment of choice for the majority of Ethiopian’s epileptic patients. Priests, Imam and or traditional healers are front liner care provider. The target population of this study was the clergy serving in the Churches and Mosques in Addis Ababa. To achieve the general objectives, a qualitative research method was used to explore the beliefs and perception of clergy regarding on epilepsy. Non probability purposive sampling technique was used to meet the inclusion criteria and therefore semi-structured focused group discussion and key informant were used as a method of data collection tools. The finding showed that study participants expressed perceptions and thoughts towards epilepsy disease including about its cause, stigma and misconception, role of clergy in supporting individual with epilepsy. All of the clergies accepted the dual cause concepts of epilepsy .According to them, both spiritual and medical reason attributed for epilepsy. They mentioned their challenges where some individuals feign epilepsy to commit theft, creating fear and mistrust among clergy members. There is a growing recognition of the need to integrate spiritual and medical treatment for epilepsy. Clergy members emphasized that medications are not a sin and should not be seen as contradictory to faith, and they encouraged the use of both spiritual and medical approaches. Providing structured training for clergy on epilepsy and its treatment as well as Fostering collaboration between religious institutions and healthcare providers are recommended. Objectives: To explore the perceptions and beliefs of clergy working at churches and mosques found in the capital city of Ethiopia. Methods: Adescriptive phenomenology qualitative thematic analysis study was conducted with interviews using a semi-structured type of guided interview. The study used a non-probability purposive sampling method | |
| dc.identifier.uri | https://etd.aau.edu.et/handle/123456789/7665 | |
| dc.language.iso | en | |
| dc.publisher | Addis Ababa University | |
| dc.subject | Perception | |
| dc.subject | Beliefs of Clergyre Gardinge pilepsy | |
| dc.title | Perception and Beliefs of Clergy Regarding on Epilepsy Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | |
| dc.type | Thesis |