Ethnographic determinants, cultural practices, and habits related to the development of antibiotic resistance in a rural community in South Africa

Ethnographic determinants, cultural practices, and habits related to the development of antibiotic resistance in a rural community in South Africa

Rendani Tshifhumulo, Cloupas Mahopo & Pascal O. Bessong

Issue: Vol. 7 No.8 2026 Article 16 pp.2399 – 2412
DOI: https://doi.org/10.38159/ehass.20267816 Published online 6th October 2026

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ABSTRACT

This qualitative study examined the intersection of traditional cultural practices, healthcare-seeking behaviours, and antibiotic use patterns that may contribute to antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in children within the rural community of Dzimauli, Limpopo, South Africa. Through two focus group discussions comprising 17 participants, this analysis revealed critical gaps in antibiotic knowledge, widespread non-adherence to prescribed treatment courses, and the parallel use of traditional medicine alongside allopathic healthcare. The findings highlight how sociocultural factors, including reliance on traditional healers (Maine), early introduction of complementary foods, and limited health literacy, create conditions that are conducive to AMR development. This study contributes to the understanding of the complex sociological drivers of antibiotic misuse in low-resource African settings.

Keywords: Antimicrobial resistance, cultural practices, habits, health-seeking behaviour.

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ABOUT AUTHOR(S)

Prof Rendani Tshifhumulo is the Head of the Department of Arts and Social Sciences at the University of Venda. As a sociologist who has contributed significantly to publications on culture and contemporary social problems.

Dr. Tjale Cloupas Mahopo is a Lecturer in the Department of Nutrition at the University of Venda, South Africa, and a registered Nutritionist. He holds a PhD in Sustainable Agriculture and an MSc in Public Nutrition. His research focuses on food and nutrition security, food systems, malnutrition, food safety, and antimicrobial resistance, with particular interest in maternal and child health and rural communities.

Prof Pascal O Bessong is a SAMRC-DSTI/NRF Research Chair, Institute for Pathogen and Global Health Research, University of Venda, UNIVEN Antimicrobial Resistance and Global Health Research Unit, Institute for Pathogen and Global Health Research, University of Venda, Thohoyandou, South Africa,

TO CITE ARTICLE

Tshifhumulo, Rendani, Cloupas Mahopo, and Pascal O. Bessong. “Ethnographic Determinants, Cultural Practices, and Habits related to the development of Antibiotic Resistance in a Rural Community in South Africa.” E-Journal of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences 7, no.8 (2026): 2399 – 2412. https://doi.org/10.38159/ehass.20267816