Year: 2026 | Month: July-September | Volume: 10 | Issue: 3 | Pages: 77-82
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52403/gijash.20260311
Definitions of Health as Determinants of Attitudes, Beliefs and Practices of the Basotho about Health and Illness: A Qualitative Cross-Sectional Study
Mamotsamai Ranneileng (PhD)
Faculty of Health Sciences, National University of Lesotho
Corresponding Author: Mamotsamai Ranneileng (PhD)
ABSTRACT
A qualitative, cross-sectional study was conducted among all age groups and genders in Lesotho. The purpose of this study was to assess the attitudes, beliefs and practices of the Basotho as determined by their own definitions of health. Qualitative data were collected through individual interviews, telephone, WhatsApp and e-mail. The health promotion classes of 2021-2023 collected the data. The student’s transcripts were compiled and analysed after grouping similar responses by age and class of study. The results revealed a broad range of attitudes, beliefs and practices embedded in the participants’ own definitions of health. Pain, witchcraft, lack of morals, disobeying God and ancestors were the most reported determinants of health. Young children differed slightly from adults, reporting happiness and fear as determinants of their health. The study concluded that these attitudes, beliefs and practices were informed by inadequate knowledge, which in turn led to negative attitudes, beliefs and practices, as well as to negative definitions of health.
Keywords: Definitions of health, attitudes, beliefs, practices
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