Abstract
Gender, communication and health inequality in a Nigerian IDP camp
Abigail Izang Ambi
This dissertation explores the communication dynamics between internally displaced persons (IDPs) and medical practitioners (MPs) in a Nigerian IDP camp, focusing on health inequality and communication barriers. Using a critical sociolinguistic ethnographic approach, it examines multilingualism, the use of interpreters, and factors contributing to health communication challenges. The study emphasizes the importance of understanding the socio-political context, lived experiences, and perceptions of IDPs to interpret health communication issues effectively.
Conducted from January 2021 to February 2023, the research involved observations, field notes, interviews, and focus groups with 11 female IDP patients and 3 medical practitioners. Five key findings emerged: First, medical interactions in the camp primarily occur in Hausa or English, creating comprehension difficulties due to the lack of indigenous language equivalents for medical terms. Second, language diversity often requires interpreters, but the absence of professional medical interpreters leads to reliance on inadequately skilled individuals. Third, gender differences, lack of privacy, and fear of reprimand prevent IDP patients from disclosing vital health information. Fourth, patient needs, such as relational aspects of care, remain unmet due to limited medical staff, time constraints, and patient resistance. Fifth, cultural beliefs, illiteracy, and a lack of voice hinder effective communication, especially for women.
The study suggests several implications: creating indigenous health terminologies, establishing professional interpreting services, educating MPs on effective communication with IDPs, incorporating communication training in medical education, ensuring gender-sensitive care, improving privacy in consultations, and addressing health literacy and equality for IDPs. These recommendations aim to improve healthcare access and reduce health disparities in the camp.