Socio Cultural Perception and Treatment of Hepatitis in Mezam

Hepatitis B is and remains a health problem worldwide having no age barrier or sexual affiliation. This viral infection caused by the hepatitis B Virus HBV . HBV is transmitted through sexual intercourse, by exchange of saliva during kissing and to newborn babies of infected mothers. Hepatitis B has been misconstrued by the locals and communities within the Mezam area for other related health problems because of the symptoms. The focal point is the attack on the liver. To eradicate and keep this viral infection at bay entails some sound knowledge and comprehension of what Hepatitis B is, explore local perceptions and understanding of it, especially within the Mezam communities. Following a cross sectional study with a population of 50 informants chosen from 20 quarters. The research methods or techniques qualitative and quantitative were used to facilitate data collection and the cultural interpretative theory was used to analyze data. As a result, a large part of the population 80 directly or indirectly concerned with Hepatitis B perceives this infection HB differently due to mainly the cost of modern medicine among other reasons they turn to seek traditional medicine for treatment, while 20 strictly belief on modern medicine and its effectiveness despite the cost. The study perceived that Hepatitis B is a viral infection that causes the inflammation of the liver and it is treatable by both traditional and modern medicines while modern medicine is the most effective. Lawong Vivian Dzelambong "Socio-Cultural Perception and Treatment of Hepatitis in Mezam" Published in International Journal of Trend in Scientific Research and Development (ijtsrd), ISSN: 2456-6470, Volume-6 | Issue-2 , February 2022, URL: https://www.ijtsrd.com/papers/ijtsrd49379.pdf Paper URL: https://www.ijtsrd.com/humanities-and-the-arts/sociology/49379/sociocultural-perception-and-treatment-of-hepatitis-in-mezam/lawong-vivian-dzelambong