Disability and Rehabilitation: Beliefs and Attitudes Among Rural Disabled People on a Community Based Rehabilitation Scheme in Zimbabwe

This study aimed to examine beliefs about .and attitudes to disability and rehabilitation amongst rural people on a Red Cross Community Based Rehabilitation programme in Gutu District, Masvingo Province, Zimbabwe. A small sample was used, and 56 per cent of respondents blamed traditional causal agents for disability in the family (witchcraft and spirits), 33 per cent blamed God and only a small minority blamed natural causes. Thirty six per cent sought traditional help first and 64 per cent medical help with 62 per cent seeking both at some stage. There was no correlation, however, between expressed belief in a causal agent and the type of help sought (traditional or medical), or whether that help was valued. It was also found that the Red Cross Community Based Rehabilitation programme, whilst being valued for its practical assistance, had almost no impact on people's beliefs about causal agents.