J Adv Nurs. 2001 Oct; 36(2): 274-81.

Traditional healing in Likorrahi in the early 20th century.

Tsiou C.

NIMTS Hospital, Monis Petraki, Kolonaki, Athens, Greece. ichatzipap@hotmail.com

AIM: The aim of this study is to record empirical data and views regarding health, illness, healing, hygiene, prevention and birth in a rural society at the beginning of the 20th century. BACKGROUND: Likorrahi was a small Greek village in the region of Epirus that was abandoned during the 1970s. Epirus is a rural and mountainous area. DESIGN: The research was conducted 10 years ago among former inhabitants of the community of Likorrahi. The informants were 33 Likorrahites over the age of 60. The research method which was used was that of ethnographic interviews focusing on general health issues. FINDINGS: The findings show that in the early 20th century different doctors, nurses and midwives offered their health care services free to the Likorrahites. There were few doctors, there was no medicine and science knew little of disease. CONCLUSIONS: This study has historical value for nurses and other health professionals. It will also be of interest to anthropologists, ethnographers and students of rural history.