Cultural Beliefs and Hypertension Management in Western Uganda: A Narrative Review

Ngugi Mwaura J.

School of Natural and Applied Sciences Kampala International University Uganda

                                                                              ABSTRACT
Hypertension remains a major health challenge in Western Uganda, where cultural beliefs and traditional practices significantly influence its management. This narrative review explores the intersection of cultural beliefs and hypertension treatment, highlighting the impact of traditional healing practices, social dynamics, and attitudes toward modern medicine. In Western Uganda, where diverse ethnic groups coexist, health is perceived as a holistic balance of physical, spiritual, and social factors, which often leads to hypertension being understood as a spiritual or moral issue rather than a medical condition. Traditional healers play a central role in managing hypertension, but their reliance on herbal remedies and spiritual interventions can delay proper medical treatment. Additionally, mistrust of modern medicine and cultural stigmas surrounding chronic illness hinder treatment adherence. Despite these challenges, integrating cultural beliefs into healthcare strategies presents an opportunity for improving hypertension management. Collaborative approaches that respect cultural practices while promoting modern medical interventions could enhance patient outcomes and treatment adherence, ultimately reducing the burden of hypertension in the region.

Keywords: Hypertension, Western Uganda, Cultural Beliefs, Traditional Healing, Modern Medicine.

CITE AS: Ngugi Mwaura J. (2026). Cultural Beliefs and Hypertension Management in Western Uganda: A Narrative Review. INOSR APPLIED SCIENCES 14(2):67-71.
https://doi.org/10.59298/INOSRAS/2025/14.2.6771