Witchcraft Beliefs In Diseases Causation And Health – Seeking Behaviour In Pregnancy Of Women In Calabar South – Nigeria.

Abstract

The aim of the study was to investigate the relations between the witchcraft beliefs in diseases causation and choice of health – seeking among pregnant women in Calabar South Cross River State of Nigeria. The study integrates the examination of witchcraft theory as theoretical model. Primary data was collected using300 valid questionnaires which were administered to random expectant mothers selected from 5 different maternity homes and church–based delivery centers. Chi-square analytical tool was employed to test the hypothesis. The main findings of the study include: - witchcraft belief of disease causation has a strong and significant impact on choice of health – seeking of pregnant mothers; witchcraft beliefs also has impact on high rate