Supernatural beliefs about the causes of disability in three areas in Jamaica - abstract

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this study was to determine various supernatural beliefs to obtain baseline information before commencing a public education programme. A stratified sample of 300 persons of ages 5, and 12 occupational groups was surveyed in each of three areas, Spanish Town, Linstead/Ewarton and St. Mary, to get rural and urban samples. A total of 898 responses were analysed of which 42 percent were male and 58 percent female. There were proportionately more in the age groups 20 to 40 years (52 percent) and, intentionally, more in the teaching and health care worker categories (115 and 80, respectively). Of the five questions on supernatural beliefs, 46 percent of the whole sample agreed that "God gave us handicapped children to show our charity". An average of 18 percent of persons agreed with statements "A disabled child is a punishment for a sin". "Some cases of disability are still caused by evil spirits" and "if a pregnant women sees a handicapped person, her child will be handicapped". The most significant variables were age and occupation. The youngest and oldest age groups agreed most with the statements and the 30-40-year-age group least. Teachers and professionals disagreed most with the statements (9 percent) and housewives, unemployed and agricultural workers agreed most (37 percent). A mean of 22 percent of health care workers agreed with the statements. If persons with disabilities are to be affected freely in their communities, these attitudes will be a barrier. Since health care workers occupy a strategic position in interfacing with parents of disabled children, their beliefs will also need to be changed. Teachers, who appear to be more enlightened, could be used in schools to correct superstitions passed on by the grandparents to their grandchildren (AU)