Sociological Perspectives of Health, Public Health, and Health Care by Victor Mushimbami - Thursday, 10 April 2025, 4:32 PM

Sociological Perspectives of Health, Public Health, and Health Care by Victor Mushimbami - Thursday, 10 April 2025, 4:32 PM

Anaiah (second born)

My Journey: A Personal Encounter with the Biomedical and Lay Referral Systems

 My journey with my wife Dorcas during her pregnancy complications revealed the strengths and limitations of the healthcare system. At the time, Dorcas was expecting our second child, Anaiah, when we learned that her cervix had opened prematurely, a condition known as cervical insufficiency. This posed a significant risk of miscarriage. We sought help from a private hospital, where a scan confirmed the diagnosis. However, the doctor informed us that there was nothing they could do. Desperate for a solution, we turned to the central hospital, where the doctors questioned our decision to visit a private facility first. They also stated that Dorcas had passed the stage where a cervical cerclage, a procedure to stitch the cervix closed, could be performed (Basso, 2013). The biomedical system, which focuses on the biological and medical aspects of health, played a crucial role in diagnosing Dorcas’s condition. Biomedical approaches are rooted in the understanding of biology and medicine, aiming to address physical health issues through scientific methods and medical interventions (Cambridge Dictionary, 2023). However, in our case, the system's limitations became evident when no further solutions were offered. The focus on physical interventions alone failed to address the emotional and psychological dimensions of Dorcas’s health. 

 The Use of the Lay Referral System 

 When the biomedical system could no longer provide solutions, I turned to the lay referral system. This involved seeking advice and support from close family and friends who understood Dorcas’s needs. According to Al-Mutawtah et al. (2023), social support during pregnancy helps alleviate the pressures of pregnant women’s emotional and physical changes, thereby improving the mother and child’s well-being. By changing her environment and surrounding her with people who mattered to her, we addressed the emotional and social dimensions of her health. Emotional well-being is known to influence pregnancy outcomes significantly, as it can reduce stress-induced complications like hormonal imbalance or preterm labor (Scambler, 2023). This holistic approach complemented the biomedical diagnosis and ultimately contributed to Dorcas carrying Anaiah to full term. 

 The Experience of Power/Knowledge in the Medical Realm 

 Our interactions with the healthcare providers highlighted the power dynamics inherent in the medical system. At the central hospital, the doctors seemed more focused on asserting their authority, questioning our choice to visit a private hospital, than on addressing Dorcas’s condition. This reflects the hierarchical structure of the medical realm, where patients’ voices can often be overlooked (Suijker, 2023; Foucault, 1973). However, by advocating for Dorcas and taking control of her care, I was able to challenge this power dynamic and prioritize her overall well-being. Through this journey, I learned that while the biomedical system is essential for diagnosing and treating physical conditions, it is not always sufficient on its own. Emotional support, a positive environment, and advocacy are equally important in achieving better health outcomes. This experience taught me the value of integrating both medical and non-medical approaches to care. 

 References 

 Al-Mutawtah, M., Campbell, E., Kubis, H. P., & et al. (2023). Women’s experiences of social support during pregnancy: A qualitative systematic review. BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth, 23(782). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12884-023-06089-0

 Basso, M. (2013). Cervical insufficiency and cervical cerclage. Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Canada (JOGC), 35(5), 1 page. Retrieved from https://www.academia.edu/49329567/Cervical_insufficiency_and_cervical_cerclage 

 Suijker, C. A. (2023). Foucault and medicine: Challenging normative claims. Medicine, Health Care and Philosophy, 26(4), 539–548. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11019-023-10170-y Topp, S. M., Schaaf, M., Sriram, V., 

Scott, K., Dalglish, S. L., Nelson, E. M., Rajasulochana, S. R., Mishra, A., Asthana, S., Parashar, R., Marten, R., Costa, J. G. Q., Sacks, E., Rajeev, B. R., Reyes, K. A. V., & Singh, S. (2021). Power analysis in health policy and systems research: A guide to research conceptualisation. BMJ Global Health, 6(11), e007268. https://gh.bmj.com/content/6/11/e007268