Abstract
Self-medication within the context of medical pluralism in Yaounde, Cameroon
Highlights
This paper documents the experiences of patients who use the knowledge and practices of the “African chemist’’, and the determinants of this therapeutic recourse in their ‘quest for therapy’ as ‘quest for relief’ within the context of medical pluralism in Yaounde, Cameroon
Two categories of medicines are available in the “African chemist’’ :(1) Traditional herbal medicines and animal artefacts in their natural state or as already prepared remedies
This study shows that the African chemist supplies a variety of medicines for self-medication
Summary
This mixed ethnographic study combined participant observation, in-depth interviews and a survey of patients and clients in various “African chemists’’ in the Briqueterie, Marché Melen, Mokolo, and Mvog-Mbi, Carrefour Obili and Avenue Kennedy neighbourhoods. A total of 100 questionnaires were administered to participants This was complemented by twenty face-to-face in-depth interviews and numerous informal discussion sessions. Yaounde is a melting pot for the over 250 ethnic groups found in the country with their different cultural perceptions of illness and disease. The huge demand for these remedies has led renowned tradi-practitioners such as Dr Dewa and Dr Fru to set up traditional medicine outlets in Yaounde and in most cities of Cameroon. Prior to their participation in the study, participants freely granted consent orally or signed a pre-designed consent form
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