**5.7.1 Religion**

Almost universally (94 out of 98 youngsters) of both the older and younger age groups reported both believing in a religion and also found religious beliefs and praying helpful when coping with illness and emotional difficulties. The children came from Catholic, Protestant and Muslim backgrounds.

### **5.7.2 The use of alcohol or drugs (Asked only of the older children ages 9 through 17)**

No youngsters reported using street drugs. Only 2 children reported the use of alcohol and neither described it as a method of coping. One 10-year-old female from a rural village reported drinking 250 mgs of local brew with sugar "for enjoyment". One 10-year-old male from an urban village reported drinking alcohol on one occasion only – Christmas. He drank alcohol because he saw adults drinking it.

#### **5.7.3 The use of traditional medicine/ceremonies (Asked only of older children 9-17)**

Seven youngsters from the 2 rural villages reported that they used traditional medicine or had used it in the past. Traditional medicines were described as tree bark, herbs or roots that were used to treat such ailments as cough, rash, vomiting and convulsions. Two of the youngsters who had used traditional medicine were not sure if it had been useful. From the 2 urban villages none of the youngsters reported using traditional medicines or ceremonies. However, one teenager felt that traditional beliefs and ceremonies were sometimes useful. Another youngster reported that some traditions are helpful but that some are not correct.

### **5.7.4 Coping when Ill (Asked only of the older children ages 9 through 17)**

Almost universally, 50 out of 51 older children used medication that they received from a hospital or elsewhere when they were ill and found the medication useful. The medications that were specifically mentioned were: Panadol (Paracetamol), quinine and painkillers. Bathing in cold water to relieve fever or putting cold water on the head to relieve headache was also mentioned. Foods and beverages were also taken by some children when ill. All the remedies were thought to be helpful.
