Secret de famille et clinique de la famille africaine

Abstract

Distribution électronique Cairn.info pour In Press. © In Press. Tous droits réservés pour tous pays.La reproduction ou représentation de cet article, notamment par photocopie, n'est autorisée que dans les limites des conditions générales d'utilisation du site ou, le cas échéant, des conditions générales de la licence souscrite par votre établissement. Toute autre reproduction ou représentation, en tout ou partie, sous quelque forme et de quelque manière que ce soit, est interdite sauf accord préalable et écrit de l'éditeur, en dehors des cas prévus par la législation en vigueur en France. Il est précisé que son stockage dans une base de données est également interdit.

The psychological experience of sickle cell disease in a Cameroonian adolescent living with her grandparents

“…The case presented in this research is that of a Cameroonian adolescent suffering from sickle cell anemia, living with her grandparents and met at their grandparents' home in Cameroon during research. The choice of this adolescent and location is justified by the prevalence of sickle cell disease in Sub-Saharan Africa and the unique familial dynamics observed in Cameroon, where grandparents often play a crucial role in upbringing due to socio-economic and cultural factors (Tsala Tsala, 2009b). This setting provides a unique opportunity to study the intersection of chronic illness management with traditional family structures, which is particularly relevant given the high rates of morbidity associated with sickle cell disease in the region (Organisation Mondiale de la Santé, 2006).…”

“…Sickle cell disease is culturally thought of as the manifestation and/or consequence of the transgression of an ancestral norm by the patient or by a member of their family group (Njifon Nsangou, 2022a, 2022bNjifon Nsangou & Scelles, 2021). Most often, it is the mother who is designated as the main responsible for this illness, she is often accused, as in most cases of child disability in the sub-Saharan African context (Tsala Tsala, 1996), of having transgressed an ancestral norm during pregnancy (Njifon Nsangou, 2022a;Tsala Tsala, 2009a). This illness is also represented in terms of persecution, not only of the patient, but more of his family group, by a persecuting third party; a sorcerer, an evil spirit.…”

“…He is, in fact, a child of the lineage (Zempléni, 1968) who is raised by his biological parents, by their friends/colleagues, by a cousin, an uncle, an aunt, a brother, a sister, a grandparent, among others (Ezembé, 2009). This is due to the family spirit that reigns there (Tsala Tsala, 2009b) and which means that it takes a village to raise a child. Children with sickle cell disease are no exception to this family norm.…”

“…Further, the family systems theory provides a lens to examine the role of family dynamics in managing illness, which is particularly relevant in the African context where extended family often plays a critical role (Zempléni, 1968;Ezembé, 2009). In Cameroon, where familial bonds are pivotal, the psychological well-being of adolescents with sickle cell disease is intricately linked to the family's ability to provide support and manage the social stigma associated with the disease (Tsala Tsala, 2009b).…”

The Empire Writes Back: African Challenges to the Brutish (South African) Empire in the Early 20th Century

“…native affairs'. 61 When a delegation of Harrismith indigenous rulers, accompanied by their adviser, Josiah Gumede, interviewed officials, they showed great persistence in questioning as to their land and imperial rights in the face of colonial indifference. Gumede, speaking for these chiefs, who remained unrecognised by the ORC, stated 'we fully believe Great Britain does everything she can for her subjects'.…”