Superstitions in Urban Community Affecting Health: Assessment and Interventional study in Meerut, India

Superstition refers to any belief or practice which is explained by supernatural causality, and is in contraindication to modern science. Objectives of this study were, (i) To assess the Superstitions and blind believes prevalent in the urban community,(ii) To provide knowledge about social and health related Superstitions through focus group discussion, audio visuals equipments and role play ( Nukkad natak ) and (iii) To assess the outcome after intervention. The study was a questionnaire-based survey, 20 subjects from each ethnic group were selected by cluster sampling of residential areas where that particular group has its highest concentration, making a total of 100 subjects. It was found that most people do have some superstitious beliefs which can be corrected by intervention if done in community. It was thus concluded that majority of our population believes in superstitions, which are more common in illiterates. These superstitions not only predict health seeking behaviour of a person but also play a major role in shaping the response of a community to any health intervention program. Without the knowledge of these superstitions, effective community participation cannot be achieved.