Prevalence, perceptions and factors influencing the use of traditional and complementary medicine (T&CM) in Zimbabwe’s adult population: The case of Bindura District

Abstract

IntroductionThe attainment of political independence in Zimbabwe saw increased recognition of traditional medicine after close to a century of its repression under colonial rule. Over the last decade, the use of traditional and complementary medicines (T&CM) has been linked to; population beliefs on the use of T&CM, economic hardship and an increase in the chronic disease burden in Zimbabwe. MethodsSelf-reporting questionnaires were handed to a randomly selected sample of adults (245) residing in Bindura, Zimbabwe between June and July of 2015. Completed questionnaires were either given to the researchers (153 questionnaires, 98.7%), posted (1 questionnaire, 0.64%) to the researchers, or dropped by the respondents into a pigeon hole (1 questionnaire, 0.64%). ResultsThe survey had a 63.3% response rate (n=155). The prevalence of T&CM use among respondents was 60.0% (95% confidence interval 51.9% to 69.5%). Most Christians (98%) reported the use of one form of T&CM or another. However certain religious denominations, namely the Apostolic Churches (2%), forbade the use of T&CM excluding nutritional supplements. The study also showed that the use of T&CM in Bindura was influenced, to a great extent, by traditional knowledge and societal values. Additionally, the respondents largely perceived T&CM providers as offering better services than the allopathic practitioners. However, the respondents viewed T&CM products as safe, but not better alternatives to allopathic products. ConclusionThe use of T&CM in Zimbabwe is similar to that in other developing, but not developed, countries. Religion was shown to be a dominant factor in the use of T&CM.