Linking Social Capital to Therapeutic Practices in Korhogo, Côte d’Ivoire

Abstract

In the northern areas of Côte d’Ivoire most affected by the 2010/2011 post-electoral armed conflict, the functioning and use of health services were negatively influenced. This study seeks to describe the nature of the social capital of Korhogo households and to analyze its influence on their choices in terms of therapeutic practices. The study, both quantitative and qualitative, was carried out in the North of the country, more precisely in Korhogo, a city located in the Poro region. The questionnaire was administered to 588 heads of households in 49 enumeration areas. In these EAs, 38 semi-structured interviews and 6 focus groups were also organized with health workers, traditional healers and local leaders. Overall, households perceive two forms of social capital: individual social capital and collective social capital. On the basis of this more or less clear knowledge of social capital, almost all households (92.8%) say they rely on the “human resources” dimensions compared to just over two-thirds (69.2%) for those relating to financial resources. Modern medicine (36.1%) and traditional medicine (32.8%) are the most dominant in the region. The majority of households (83.0%) are led to opt for a therapeutic practice following discussions with the members of their networks. However, the human, material and financial dimensions of social capital have little influence on the choice of therapeutic practices for households. All initiatives aimed at strengthening solidarity are likely to contribute to promoting the health and well-being of disadvantaged households in situations of socio-political crises.