Practice and Perception of Traditional Medicine Practitioners towards Challenges Facing Traditional Medicine Practice in Nigeria: A Pilot Study (original) (raw)
Related papers
Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Traditional Medicine Practitioners in Edo State, Nigeria
International Journal of TROPICAL DISEASE & Health, 2021
The people of Edo State of Nigeria have a long history of dependence on traditional medicine as a primary source and first line of action for their healthcare needs. Efforts have been made by various national and subnational governments towards integrating the TM practice for the benefit of its citizens with little progress. The slow progress is partly because of dearth in the knowledge, attitude and practice of the practitioners. A descriptive cross-sectional study aimed at highlighting the demography, attitude and approach as well as the exposing the key gaps in the practice and expectation of the practitioners from the different stakeholders, was carried out. The survey study was conducted using a standardized structured questionnaire. The outcome showed that 90% of practitioners were within the age bracket of 25 and 65 years, and majority (66%) were of male gender and, about 94% and 78% were literate and self-employed, respectively. About 30% have being in practice for less than...
Journal of Advances in Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences
Introduction: The knowledge, attitude, and practice of Traditional Medicine Practitioners (TMPs) are key to achieving effective and sustainable integration of all forms of Traditional, Complementary and Alternative Medicine (TCAM) and health services towards Universal Health Coverage (UHC). In this study, the operational and psychological readiness of Traditional Medicine Practitioners towards integration with the conventional health system was examined by critically considering the various factors central to traditional medicine integration as recommended by the World Health Organisation (WHO) Traditional Medicine strategy (2014–2023). Methods: Paper based questionnaires were administered to Traditional medicine practitioners from three geo-political zones in Nigeria along with Key Informant Interviews. Qualitative – thematic and content analysis using both iterative and interpretative processes, and quantitative –descriptive and inferential analysis were done using statistical pac...
Journal of Pharmacy & Bioresources
Studies and documentation on the current knowledge and practices of traditional medicine among African communities are lacking particularly in this era of modern health care expansion. This study aimed at assessing the knowledge, attitude and practice of traditional medicine in Jos South Local Government Area (LGA) of Plateau State, Nigeria. A systemic random sampling technique was employed for this study. A semi-structured open and closed ended questionnaire was used to collect data through house to house interview among 300 participants identified for the study. The data was then analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 20.0 (Chicago, SPSS Inc.). The studies revealed two hundred and seventy four (94.8%) have heard about traditional medicine, while two hundred and forty two (83.7%) of them have used traditional medicine once or more in their life time, especially for the treatment of malaria and fever. One hundred and eleven (38.4%) of the respondents p...
The Dynamics and Changing Structure of Traditional Healing System in Nigeria
International Journal of Health Research, 2011
Traditional medicine had existed in Nigeria prior to the era of colonialism serving the health needs of the people. However with the advent of colonialism, it experienced restrictions and obstacles in the face of the introduction of Western medicine. In recent time, the practice got a resurgence and greater patronage by the people due to its ability to explain the ‘hidden’ cause of illness and consequently, cure the illness. This paper accounts for this renewed patronage of traditional medicine by the people by locating it in the ability of its practitioners to respond to their environment of practice. This entails a conscious restructuring and ‘modernising’ efforts at alligning its practice with current trends in orthordox practice by establishing standards of safety, efficacy and quality control. This is coupled with government recent interest in developing traditional medicine for national health system development and economic benefits. Keywords: Structure, Traditional Medicine,...
International Health
Background Traditional medicine (TM) plays a vital role in the Ghanaian health system by serving as an alternative healthcare delivery system for the majority of people. However, the quality of practice and level of TM practitioners’ involvement in the integration of TM into the health system have not been fully investigated. Methods This study employed a phenomenological qualitative study design to explore the perceptions, experiences and recommendations of TM practitioners in the Ashanti region regarding TM integration. Data were collected through individual interviews with 17 participants. Results Participants had knowledge about TM integration. They cited effective alternative healthcare delivery and improved patient outcomes as the key benefits of TM integration. However, they reported a shortage of approved TM products, poor visibility of TM integration and poor relational coordination of care as factors hampering the integration. Participants recommended improved interprofess...
TRADITIONAL MEDICINE PRACTICES IN NIGERIA: A SWOT ANALYSIS
IAEME PUBLICATION, 2019
The paper presents SWOT analysis of Traditional Medicine (TM) in Nigeria using various results in scientific research and author's critical opinion on the past, present and future of this important sector of agriculture. The paper is based on the study of many published articles closely connected with the topic. The results emphasized that Nigeria has a long history and culture of TM, conducive climate for the growing of herbs and other materials related to it. Also, TM is available, accessible, acceptable, affordable, widely used, and perceived as effective by the people with virtually no side effects. The weaknesses are: the unverifiable and inexplicable aspects of occultic/witchcraft practices; the practitioners lack the skill for correct diagnosis of serious disorders, inadequate coordination of practitioners activities giving room to dubious and unscrupulous elements. Also, opportunities that exists for TMP are: existence of a virile Herbs and Leaves Traditional Medicines Practitioners' Association of Nigeria, large number of population of TM practitioners with great spread over all ethnic groups coupled with a large Nigerian population of about 170million consumers. The threats: the activities and practices of charlatans, the importation of higher quality TM products and the reality of some herbs are going into extinction. It is concluded that TM occupies a pivotal position in the Nigerian rural health service delivery system which cannot be neglected. Therefore, there is the need to create an enabling environment for the development of traditional medicine and its eventual integration into the health care delivery system of the country
This study examines whether socio-demographic variables influence knowledge and usage of Traditional Medicine in Kazaure town, Jigawa State, Nigeria. Survey method was used in the study. Using multistage sampling, 350 respondents were selected and questionnaire was administered by the researcher for data collection. In addition, IDI’s were conducted with some elderly and traditional healers operating in the area. SPSS was used to analyse the data. The findings show that the sociodemographic variables, i.e. sex, age, education, and income, have no significant influence on the use of Traditional Medicine by the respondents. Nevertheless, accessibility, low cost, effectiveness and belief in safeness and tradition influence the respondents to use the medicine. Therefore, governments and other stakeholders should see to the recognition of Traditional Medicine as Complementary and Alternative Medicine, while taking seriously the issue of safety, effectiveness, low cost, and accessibility of the former. Also, health education programmes should be organized on continued basis, especially via radio, to educate individuals more about Traditional Medicine, its benefits and harms. Finally, Community Based Organisations and Non Governmental Organisations should join efforts with government to ensure easy acceptance of programmes related to Traditional Medicine.
2024
Complementary and alternative medicine involves medical practices rooted in traditional methods such as herbal remedies and spiritual beliefs. Historical factors influence the practice of alternative medicine in Nigeria. This study examines cultural perceptions, practices, challenges, and integration strategies for alternative medicine in the Nigerian healthcare system. Nigeria, with a population of over 200 million, faces significant health challenges, necessitating robust healthcare systems. Despite having over 80,000 registered doctors, there is a low doctor-to-population ratio of 4,000 to 5,000 people per doctor. Traditional healers practicing under partial regulation significantly contribute to healthcare delivery by using indigenous herbal and spiritual therapies. Challenges in integrating alternative medicine include standardization, limited scientific evidence, stigma, funding constraints, and barriers to access of services. Integration efforts involve creating inclusive healthcare systems that combine traditional and modern approaches, prioritize equitable access, and respect for cultural diversity, developing standardized training, generating scientific evidence, and increasing public awareness. Collaboration among stakeholders, such as healers, healthcare providers, policymakers, researchers, and communities, is essential for successful integration and improved healthcare outcomes. The Nigerian healthcare system can benefit from integrating alternative medicine and promoting holistic and culturally sensitive practices. Overcoming these challenges requires cooperation, evidence-based strategies, and investments in research, leading to more effective healthcare delivery, improved health outcomes, and reduced disparities nationwide. Countries on integration journeys should prioritize collaboration, establish clear regulations, raise public awareness, and invest in research to support the effectiveness and safety of alternative medicine.
Background: African Traditional Medicine continues to strive and contribute to health care for many indigenous people in Africa. Within this system, Traditional Health Practitioners are the custodians of traditional health, knowledge and practices and play various roles such as counselling and teaching. There are unique ways to name, diagnose, treat, and manage ill-health in African Traditional Medicine, which makes this system unique. However, most concepts are loosely used or translated literally by researchers and scholar without their proper application and contextualization. This study was undertaken to explore and describe how Traditional Health Practitioners define African Traditional Medicine, in their own accord and understanding.Methods: Qualitative, explorative and descriptive design was adopted. Data was collected from eighteen (18) Traditional Health Practitioners who were sampled using snowball technique. Individual semi-structured interviews were done and audio record...
Health Information and Libraries Journal, 2018
Background: The problem of incomplete transmission of traditional medical knowledge to the younger generation is of concern to information professionals especially in developing countries where most rural communities depend on traditional medicine for primary health care. Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the collaboration between orthodox and traditional medical practitioners as well as the implication of the collaboration for transmission of traditional medical knowledge in Nigeria. Method: Eighteen communities were purposively selected from six states in southwestern Nigeria. Snowball technique was used in selecting 110 traditional medical practitioners. Three key informant interviews and two focus group discussion sessions were conducted in each state. Data were analysed thematically. Discussion: Results showed the existence of a low level of collaboration mainly in the form of patient referrals which were not performed officially and mostly one sided. This was attributed to the negative perception of traditional medicine by orthodox practitioners and the failure of government to give traditional medicine its due recognition. This was reportedly responsible for the lack of interest by children of traditional medical practitioners to acquire traditional medical knowledge. Conclusion: The study recommends inclusion of traditional medicine in the health policy and educational curriculum from the basic level.