Perception and Utilization of Traditional Orthopaedic Services by Orthopaedic Patients in Ilorin Kwara State, Nigeria

Abstract

Despite considerable advancement in modern medical practice and its relative availability Nigerian urban cities, orthopaedic patients have continued to utilize traditional orthopaedic services. This study focused on the persistent utilization of traditional bone setters (TBS) by orthopaedic patients in florin. Health belief model was adopted as theoretical basis for the study. Both quantitative and qualitative methods were combined: Multistage sampling technique was used to select respondents from the study area. Questionnaire was administered to a total of 357 patients, ‘while purposive sampling was used to select 7 patients and 14 practitioners for In depth Interview (IDI). Majority of the respondents aged between 21 and 60 years (73.1%) were males (74.5%) and had secondary and tertiary education (76.6%). Findings revealed that the incidence of orthopaedic cases was higher in urban and semi-urban areas where most of the respondents (80.2%) resided. Patients also believed that the use of supernatural methods and therapies gave TBS an advantage over modern medicine and that contrary to the views of modern medical science, TES treatment is highly effective and does not result in complications as argued by modern medical practitioners. It was advocated that modern practitioners show positive disposition towards the integration of western and traditional orthopaedic practices. It was further recommended that capacity building be developed among traditional orthopaedic practitioners who are a major provider of orthopaedic care in Nigeria.