The Perception of Disease in Sub-Saharan Africa. Managing Linguistic and Cultural Barriers and Mediation Processes among Asylum Seekers

Abstract

This article explores the perception of health and illness among sub-Saharan African asylum seekers in Italy, with a specific focus on the challenges posed by linguistic and cultural barriers in healthcare settings. Drawing on a qualitative pilot study involving approximately twenty participants from various African countries, the research compares migrants’ health perceptions with data from the World Health Organization and other national and international sources. The study shows that for many young asylum seekers, health is associated not only with physical well-being or the ability to work, but also with factors such as the capacity to practice sports, financial stability, and emotional balance. The article also highlights the coexistence of biomedical and traditional healing practices, and the persistent role of informal self-medication. Particular attention is given to the concept of “complex linguistic repertoires” and its implications for communication between migrant patients and Italian healthcare providers. The discussion outlines four models of linguistic and cultural mediation and argues for the structural integration of trained mediators into the healthcare system. Ultimately, the paper advocates for a transcultural approach to care that recognizes patients’ cultural backgrounds and lived experiences as central to the therapeutic process.