Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Date

2025

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy

Department

Communication

Committee Chair

Joy Goldsmith

Committee Member

Amanda Young

Committee Member

Kellie Carstensen

Committee Member

Marian Levy

Abstract

This dissertation examines the complex interplay between health literacy (HL), quality of life (QoL), and spiritual and religious beliefs (SRPB) among underserved populations in Nigeria. Despite increasing awareness of healthcare options, many Nigerians continue to rely on faith-based healing practices due to deeply rooted religious and cultural traditions, economic barriers, and systemic healthcare limitations. Using a mixed-methods approach, this research incorporates both survey data and focus group discussions to investigate the relationship that Nigerians make among these variables. This study employs the Social Ecological Model (SEM) to explore how individual, interpersonal, community, organizational, and policy factors shape health behaviors and decision-making. Findings reveal that religion plays a dominant role in influencing health choices, often substituting for medical interventions due to financial constraints and distrust in the healthcare system. Participants reported blending spiritual and biomedical practices, reinforcing the dual reliance on prayer and medical care. Economic challenges, cultural beliefs, and lack of trust in medical professionals further exacerbate health disparities. This study highlights the limitations of traditional health literacy models in faith-driven contexts, advocating for an expanded framework that integrates cultural and religious factors into health communication strategies. Implications suggest the need for culturally responsive health education, leveraging religious institutions as channels for health promotion. Healthcare practitioners must consider the influence of religion in patient decision-making to improve medical adherence and health outcomes. Future research should explore how to bridge the gap between faith-based healing and biomedical interventions in resource limited settings.

Comments

Data is provided by the student.

Library Comment

PDF

Notes

Open access.

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