1 Institute for Primary Care and Health Sciences, Keele University, ... 2 General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University, 10390, Ratmalana, Sri Lanka. 3 Institute ...
Title of the Paper Traditional healing practices for Dementia patients: preliminary findings from a qualitative study in Sri Lanka Authors Kalpani
Abhayasinghe1,2,3*,
Benjamin
Saunders1,
Paul
Campbell1,4,
Athula
Sumathipala1,3,4 Affiliations Institute for Primary Care and Health Sciences, Keele University, Staffordshire, United Kingdom 1
2
General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University, 10390, Ratmalana, Sri Lanka
3
Institute for Research and Development, Sri Lanka
4
South Staffs and Shropshire Foundation Trust, St Georges Hospital, Stafford, UK.
Abstract
Dementia is a research priority in developing countries due to the worldwide rise in prevalence. Evidence demonstrates differences in the views and perceptions about dementia among people in developed and developing countries, such differences may indicate the need for different approaches to health care and management of dementia. The aim of this study (which forms part of a PhD project) is to explore Sri Lankan family caregivers’ perspectives on non-westernised alternative treatment methods for dementia. 26 in-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with informal dementia caregivers in Sri Lanka. Findings reveal that alternative (i.e. non-westernised or traditional) healing methods are incredibly common and still widely practiced, as either first-line and sole treatment for dementia or as a complimentary treatment along with westernised medical treatments. Examples include; Ayurveda treatments, religious and spiritual practices (Pirith chanting, Pooja, Alms giving), astrological remedies and
traditional healing practices (Shanthikarma, devil dances, Bahirawa Pooja, spells and black magic) were common. The common goal of these treatments were to pass merits to the dead relatives, chase away bad spirits, request protection and gather sympathy from supernatural powers. This study demonstrates cultural views, myths, faith and beliefs have an important presence in the perceptions of the dementia experience.
