Truth and Care: What People in Maputo Think About Serious Illness

Maputo residents were asked about how they want doctors to talk when a serious illness is present. The study shows most people prefer to know the truth about their condition. Yet some families still hide details to protect loved ones from worry. Researchers used a quick street survey, asking questions in several neighborhoods across the province. The results reveal that honesty is valued for making informed decisions about treatment and future plans. Still, cultural traditions sometimes make parents or elders keep diagnoses secret from younger family members.The data suggest that health workers need to balance respect for cultural norms with the right of patients to know their health status. The survey highlighted differences between urban and rural areas, with city dwellers leaning more toward openness. In remote villages, people were more likely to support a “soft” approach where the doctor explains the situation gently. Health authorities can use these findings to design counseling programs that respect both truth‑telling and family dynamics. Training doctors in communication skills will help them address patients’ wishes while keeping families calm.