Impacto psicossocial da doença do chamamento nas pessoas escolhidas para serem médicos/as tradicionais no Bairro Mafalala

Abstract

The general objective of this study was to "Analyze the psychosocial impact of the Chamamento disease on people chosen to become traditional healers in the Mafalala neighborhood." The research was classified as applied, exploratory, with a qualitative approach and based on a case study, using an interview guide to collect data. The results revealed that Chamamento disease, as evidenced in the accounts of the interviewees, is characterized by a series of spiritual, emotional, and physical crises that affect the individuals chosen to practice traditional medicine. Participants described the training as an intense and rigorous experience, taking place in isolated settings and involving purification rituals, spiritual consultations, and learning traditional practices. The tiNyangas reported that, during the process, they face stigmatization, social exclusion, and prejudice, which impacts their family and social relationships. However, many of them develop resilience, maturity, and a renewed commitment to cultural and spiritual practices. Based on the findings, the recommendations include promoting greater awareness of the role and importance of traditional healers in preserving cultural traditions and managing social ills, aiming to reduce the stigma and prejudice associated with chamamento disease; creating mutual support networks among traditional healers, allowing them to share experiences and strategies for dealing with the emotional and social challenges arising from chamamento; and investigating the interaction between traditional practices and modern health systems, exploring ways of collaboration that benefit the community.