Background of the study:
Community elders in Nnewi North, Anambra State, hold influential positions as custodians of tradition and cultural knowledge. Their roles extend beyond leadership into the realm of public health, where they are often involved in disseminating health information and preventive measures (Ikechukwu, 2023; Ugochukwu, 2024). These elders use their extensive experience and authority to guide community practices related to disease prevention. Their endorsement of traditional health practices and modern preventive strategies alike can shape community attitudes towards issues such as sanitation, vaccination, and lifestyle modifications. In many cases, the advice of community elders is highly respected and can lead to improved health outcomes when aligned with public health policies (Chukwu, 2025). However, there remains a gap in understanding the full extent of their impact on disease prevention, which is further complicated by varying levels of health literacy and the interplay between traditional beliefs and modern medical advice (Okechukwu, 2023). This study aims to assess how community elders influence disease prevention practices and identify potential areas for collaborative public health interventions.
Statement of the problem:
In Nnewi North, while community elders are pivotal in shaping health behaviors, their influence may sometimes perpetuate outdated or non-scientific health practices. The lack of integration between their traditional knowledge and modern disease prevention strategies creates a disconnect that can hinder effective public health interventions. This misalignment has the potential to compromise community health, particularly during outbreaks where rapid response is crucial (Amara, 2024).
Objectives of the study:
To evaluate the role of community elders in disseminating disease prevention information.
To determine the influence of their advice on community health behaviors.
To develop recommendations for integrating traditional leadership with modern public health initiatives.
Research questions:
How do community elders contribute to disease prevention efforts in Nnewi North?
What are the perceptions of community members regarding elder-led health advice?
How can collaboration between elders and health professionals be enhanced?
Research Hypotheses:
Community elders significantly influence disease prevention practices.
There is a positive correlation between elder-led health initiatives and community health outcomes.
Integrating modern health education with traditional advice improves disease prevention.
Significance of the study:
This study is significant as it highlights the critical role of community elders in disease prevention and offers pathways for integrating their traditional influence with modern health strategies. The findings could inform public health policies that leverage traditional leadership for better health outcomes (Ndukwe, 2023).
Scope and limitations of the study:
The study is limited to examining the role of community elders in disease prevention within Nnewi North Local Government, focusing on traditional and modern health practices.
Definitions of terms:
Community elders: Respected senior members of a community who provide guidance and leadership.
Disease prevention: Strategies aimed at reducing the risk of diseases within a population.
Public health interventions: Actions taken to improve the health of a community.
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