Health Behavior of Stroke Patients: A qualitative study of the Bugis ethnic in South Sulawesi Province, Indonesia

Abstract

Health behavior determines the pattern of seeking treatment, especially in groups of people who still have certain beliefs. The Bugis community is one of the ethnic groups that has long had knowledge about health and illness that is still believed and thriving today. But little is known about what influences the health behavior of stroke sufferers, especially the Bugis ethnic.The purpose of this study is to determine perceptions of the health behaviors of stroke sufferers, especially the Bugis ethnic, to obtain precise information for stroke prevention and treatment efforts by considering their culture. We used a qualitative approach by conducting semi-structured interviews of 26 stroke patients, obtained from outpatient and inpatient units of hospitals and stroke patients in the Bugis tribal community. Interviews were conducted to determine health behaviors based on Thoughts and Feelings, Personal References, and believed values ??about stroke. The Bugis have the perception that stroke is caused by intrinsic factors from within the human body and the influence of extrinsic factors originating from outside the body, the disease is caused by an imbalance between fellow humans, as well as humans and the natural surroundings. Older people have a role in determining the choice of medical treatment for stroke or traditional treatment which is very much influenced by personal confidence which causes a stroke. The importance of knowing the belief and treatment of stroke patients for the Bugis ethnic based on their culture and taking a personal approach to the elder in the family so that good stroke treatment and care can be done.

Keywords: Stroke, Health Behavior, Buginese, Qualitative Research.