The importance of local language in healthcare: naming and defining dysmenorrhea.

Introduction: Using local language improves the quality of healthcare and patient safety but little has been done to understand and use local language in naming and defining conditions such as dysmenorrhea. Many indigenous African women value their language especially when communicating about women's health.

Method: In this exploratory study, we wanted to understand the local language used to construct and conceptualize dysmenorrhea and highlight the importance of local language when healthcare practitioners engage with women experiencing dysmenorrhea guided by Africana Womanism Theory. Data were collected from 15 Black indigenous women using a Lekgotla discussion group and in-depth interviews. Data were thematically analyzed.

Results: Participants described how local language is important in naming and seeking healthcare. Drawing from their descriptions three themes emerged: (1) Self-naming and self-defining dysmenorrhea using a local language; (2) Types of local words, phrases, and terms used to name and define dysmenorrhea; (3) The importance of self-naming and self-defining dysmenorrhea in a local language.

Conclusions: Communication between healthcare seekers and healthcare providers is at the heart of effective healthcare provision. Poor communication due to language barriers contributes to misunderstanding, misdiagnoses, poor or incomplete patient assessment, and delayed treatment. Therefore, communicating healthcare issues in a local language would promote culturally sensitive care.