Grandmothers as Gems of Genetic Wisdom: ExploringSouth African Traditional Beliefs About the Causesof Childhood Genetic Disorders

摘要

With its diverse cultural and linguistic profile,South Africa provides a unique context to explore contex-tual influences on the process of genetic counseling. Priorresearch suggests intergenerational differences regardingmodels of causation which influence treatment-seekingpaths. This pilot study therefore aimed to explore SouthAfrican traditional beliefs regarding common childhoodgenetic disorders. Three focus groups were conducted withfifteen grandmothers from different cultural backgrounds inan urban community. Questions pertained to the role of thegrandmother, traditional beliefs regarding causes of geneticdisorders, explanations of heredity, and prevention andmanagement of genetic disorders. Results indicate a varietyof cultural explanations for causes of childhood geneticdisorders. These causes can be classified into categoriesrelated to lifestyle, behavior, social issues, culture, religion,genetic, and familial causes. Prevention and treatmentissues are also highlighted. These findings have implica-tions for genetic counseling practice, which needs toinclude a greater focus on cultural issues.