Fluid boundaries : multiple meanings of the illness ‘moto’ in Northern Malawi
Date
2011
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Publisher
Springer Science+Business Media
Abstract
The study examined local child care practices (including feeding and care during illness), knowledge of childhood illnesses, as well as underlying assumptions of local Malawian people which help explain what people do and observe when children become ill. Findings indicate that ‘crossing over’ the boundaries of culturally appropriate sexual behavior is linked to “moto,” a kind of polluting ‘heat’ that can be transferred through touch, causing illness in children or the elderly through breastfeeding and food. The research could help in developing a culturally appropriate strategy for the prevention and treatment of infant and childhood malnutrition.
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Keywords
MALAWI, BREAST FEEDING, WELL-BEING, CULTURAL ASPECTS, HIV, PUBLIC HEALTH, HERBAL MEDICINE, SEXUAL BEHAVIOUR, MALNUTRITION, CHILD HEALTH, SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR, PERCEPTION, CHILD NUTRITION, SOUTH OF SAHARA