Traditional Healers Research Articles

The Perceptions of Traditional Healers Regarding Cancers in Dire Dawa, Ethiopia: A Qualitative Study

<i>Background:</i> Many cancer patients in low-income countries seek care from traditional healers and use traditional medicines for cancer treatment. However, little is known about the perceptions and influence of traditional healers and the treatment decisions of cancer patients. Thus, we aimed to explore the perceptions of traditional healers regarding cancer, which can help in preventive interventions, thereby reducing morbidity and mortality from cancer. <i>Methods: </i>This ethnographic study was conducted between April and August 2023 in Dire Dawa, Ethiopia. Purposive, convenience, and snowball sampling techniques were used to sample participants. In-depth interviews were conducted individually at participants’ homes in quiet places, and in the absence of respondents, between 45 and 55 minutes, using a semi-structured tool aided by a voice recorder and field notes. The interviews were then transcribed verbatim within a week, and thematic qualitative analysis was used to identify themes and subthemes. <i>Results:</i> Seven major themes were identified in traditional healers’ perceptions of cancer: (i) respondents’ perception of cancer; (ii) perceived causes of cancer; (iii) perceived signs of cancer; (iv) perceived transmission of cancer; (v) respondents’ perception of cancer detection; (vi) respondents' perception of cancer treatment; and (vii) respondents’ perception of ‘no modern cure for cancer. <i>Conclusion: </i>Traditional healers have limitations on their perception of cancer, including what cancer it is, its causes, signs, identification, and treatments. Thus, traditional healers need to be provided training and behavioral-changing interventions about cancer in order to improve cancer interventions.

Evaluation of Beta-cell Regeneration Property of Methanolic Extract of Momordica Dioica in Wistar Rat Model

Background: Despite the existence of various medications for diabetes, many individuals still struggle with the condition due to the potential side effects associated with current treatments. Traditional healers have long relied on medicinal plants with potential antidiabetic properties. One such plant is Momordica dioica, although its traditional use lacks experimental studies to support its efficacy in managing diabetes. Among them, Momordica dioica is one however there are no experimental studies on beta-cell regeneration that support the current traditional uses. Objective: The main aim of the current research is to identify Momordica dioica's methanolic extract's capacity for beta cell regeneration. Methods: Air-dried Fruit of Momordica Dioica was extracted using methanol, and acute oral toxicity studies were performed on methanolic extract in accordance with OECD guideline version 18. By using the HPTLC method, the Active Constituent in charge of the activity was verified. The HPTLC method was used to confirm active constituents that were responsible for the activity. The pancreatic beta cell regeneration as well as Fasting blood glucose level was used to evaluate the anti-diabetic effect. Single-dose STZ-induced type 2 diabetes mellitus was used to evaluate anti-antidiabetic activity. Results: Momordica dioica’s methanolic extract with doses of 100mg/kg and rest combination with standard showed a significant (p < 0.0001) anti-diabetic effect. Maximum anti-diabetic effects at doses as HE100mg/kg and all combinations were compared to standard and observed from Day 21 induction of diabetes by Streptozotocin; total tested doses of the extract inhibited the destruction of beta-cell significantly (p < 0.0001, p < 0.001). Conclusion: The existence of berberine, a quaternary ammonium salt of the alkaloid benzyl-iso-quinoline present in the extract, had a potential anti-diabetic effect and beta-cell regeneration property which supports the ancient beliefs.

Exploring Depression: Community Perceptions and Social Influences in Southeast, Nigeria

Despite increasing global awareness of mental health issues, understanding the perception and influences of depression remains limited within specific cultural contexts such as Southeast Nigeria. This study investigates how residents define and perceive depression, exploring socio-cultural, demographic, and religious factors that shape these perceptions. In-depth interviews were conducted with twenty participants (10 males and 10 females) from Anaocha and Idemili South Local Government Areas in Anambra State. Thematic analysis revealed that depression is perceived as a profound emotional and psychological burden, characterized by sadness, hopelessness, and isolation. Influential socio-cultural factors included beliefs in supernatural forces, traditional healing practices, gender norms, educational levels, and religious/spiritual practices. Stigma emerged as a significant barrier to help-seeking, with cultural expectations of resilience and reliance on religious coping mechanisms complicating the mental health landscape. The study proposes resilience-based interventions to enhance help-seeking behavior and support individuals with internalized stigma. These interventions by professional service providers such as social workers will increase mental health literacy, reduce stigma, and promote community resilience. Future research could also prioritize comparative studies across different regions to examine regional variations in depression perceptions and inform tailored interventions in social service delivery that effectively address local socio-cultural contexts, thereby advancing social research.

Phytochemicals Analysis, In vitro Anti-plasmodium Activity of Delonix regia Bark and Carica papaya Leaf Extracts in Combination with Chloroquine

Background: The effectiveness of treating malaria may be jeopardized by artemisinin-resistant parasites. Pharmaceutical companies have been using plants for a very long time to generate the prototype molecules needed to treat Plasmodium infections. Objective: To evaluate anti-plasmodial potency of extracts of Delonix regia and Carica papaya when used in combinations with chloroquine. Methods: The plants were collected from Homa-Bay County in Kenya, dried under shade to a consistent weight, and then milled into a fine powder. Organic solvents were then used for extraction. After phytochemical screening of the extracts was conducted, In vitro tests were done on the extracts against Plasmodium falciparum, with a starting concentration of 100µg/mL. To prepare the test concentration ranges, the extracts were serially diluted 2-fold in growth medium. In a sealed gas chamber, the assay plates were incubated at 370C for 72 hours with 3% O2 and 4% CO2 with N2 as the balance. By comparing each well's absorbance to that of a well that contained the drug-free control, the number of parasites still present at each concentration of the test substance were ascertained. Plotting survival against concentration enabled the determination of the IC50 values by a non-linear dose response curve fitting. Results: In this investigation, the extracts from Delonix regia showed significant synergism (based on IC50 shifts) with CQ for both the ethyl acetate and methanol extracts with the exception of the highest combination dosage. Carica papaya extracts were much improved by the presence of CQ; however, this was not consistently reflected in the corresponding CQ IC50. Conclusion: The results of this study which revealed synergism between the study plants extracts and chloroquine, support the reasons why some traditional healers have started combining medicinal herbs with chloroquine to boost its potency.

Exploring Professional and Carer Stakeholder Conceptualizations of Child and Adolescent Mental Health in Malawi Using a Contextual Co-Design Methodology: The Interplay of Pathology, the Supernatural, and a Pathway to Healing

In Malawi, there is a high prevalence of mental disorders in children and adolescents. However, access to specialized care is scarce due to a lack of public policies, resources, and cultural factors. In this context, the aim of this research is to understand how child and adolescent mental health is conceptualized by key stakeholders in Malawi. The participants were 117 stakeholders (59 female and 58 male) involved with children’s mental health from different roles. They participated in workshops, focus groups, and open interviews. The data were processed following the steps of thematic analysis. The results show agreement between the different stakeholders in conceptualizations of child and adolescent mental health in Malawi, where symptoms and signs are not necessarily related to the Western vision, as well as the interaction between natural and supernatural sources in the genesis of mental disorders. Likewise, a pattern of help-seeking is described in which traditional healers stand out over hospitals. Finally, the results allow us to highlight the suggestions made by practitioners, policymakers, community leaders, and academics to improve access to and provision of mental health for children and adolescents in Malawi.

Occupational Morbidities and Health-Seeking Behavior among Automobile Mechanics in the Western Region of Nigeria

Background: Automobile mechanic work is associated with illnesses and injuries. These occupational diseases can result in sickness absence, economic loss, disability, or death of these workers. This study assessed self-reported health problems and health-seeking behavior of automobile mechanics in Surulere, Lagos State. Methods: A cross-sectional study was used in this study carried out in December 2014. A systematic sampling method was employed to select 120 respondents from various workshops within their Local Government Area and were interviewed using a structured questionnaire. Data entry and analysis were done using epi-info3.5.1 Results: About 27.5% of the respondents reported at least one work-related illness or injury. Five percent of the respondents had musculoskeletal disease. About 11.5% of the respondents reported having cuts and crushing injuries. Most (86.7%) of these workers do not have health workers available around their workplaces. Slightly less than half (48.3%) visit health facilities between 6 to 15 minutes of estimated walking distance. Most (70%) respondents visit health facilities when ill or injured; 33.3% patronize traditional healers/ herbs/ prayer houses (spiritualists); 25% patronize patent medicine vendors and practice self-medication. The level of education of the workers was inversely significantly associated with the occurrence of occupational injury or illness. Conclusion: High work-related morbidities were managed by a few available health workers who were majoring in the patent medicine vendor category. The importance of level of education in the control of workplace injuries and illnesses was demonstrated by this study.

“Spirit child” and concomitant paedicides in Africa: a systematic review of the empirical literature

ABSTRACT A sizeable proportion of child homicides in most African communities is triggered by certain superstitious beliefs and practices such as the so-called “spirit child/children” – children, particularly disabled babies, believed to possess malevolent spirits that cause misfortunes and deaths in their families and the community. Such children are sometimes killed. The present study sought to consolidate and synthesise information on spirit child homicides in African settings to facilitate greater knowledge and understanding of the phenomenon. Utilising the PRISMA guidelines, a literature search for empirical works on spirit child homicides published between 2000 and 2022 was conducted across four databases: Scopus, Web of Science, Journal Storage (JSTOR), and Google Scholar. Thirteen studies met the inclusion criteria. The review shows that spirit child homicide occurs largely in rural communities, and that demonophobia, poverty, poor access to health provision, influence of traditional healers, and lack of support for parents of children with disabilities are the major factors that sustain the practice. Because the spirit child belief is deeply entrenched in the culture of the practicing communities, a multi-layered approach will be required to combat spirit child motivated paedicides.

Determinants of Duration of Untreated Psychosis in Patients with Schizophrenia in Indonesia

Background: The duration of untreated psychosis (DUP) is a crucial factor influencing the prognosis of schizophrenia, affecting long-term outcomes and treatment efficacy. Despite its importance, there is a paucity of research on the determinants of DUP in Indonesian patients with schizophrenia, highlighting the need for a focused investigation within this specific context. This study aims to identify the determinants of DUP among patients with schizophrenia in Indonesia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving patients with schizophrenia admitted to a referral psychiatric hospital in Indonesia. Data were collected using guided interviews and observations through structured questionnaires. Additionally, socio-demographic information was gathered. Results: A multiple linear regression analysis revealed that previous consultations with traditional healers (β = 21, 95% CI = 11.4 - 30.6, p = 0.001) and religious healers (β = 16.7, 95% CI = 8.2 - 25.2, p = 0.0001) were independently predicting the longer DUP. Conclusions:Treatment-seeking behavior is significantly influencing the DUP in patients with schizophrenia. Efforts should focus on improving health literacy to encourage earlier mental health treatment-seeking.

Traditional Healing Practices in Dhurwa Tribe of Bastar: Challenges and Possibilities

Traditional Healing Practices in Dhurwa Tribe of Bastar: Challenges and Possibilities

UPLC-ESI MS/MS- and GC-MS-Based Altitudinal Variations in the Bioactive Potential of Mikania micranthaand Ageratum houstonianum.

Traditional medicinal plants have attracted scientific interest due to their bioactive compounds, and the levels of their constituents vary with location and altitude. The present study was designed to evaluate the pharmacological potential of two selected traditional medicinal plants, Mikania micrantha and Ageratum houstonianum collected from two sites, Murlen National Park (MNP) and Dampa Tiger Reserve (DTR), located at different altitudes. Both plant species are used by local traditional healers in Mizoram, Northeast India, to treat various health problems. We hypothesized that altitudinal variation would affect these plants' chemical composition and bioactive potential. Plant extracts were evaluated for antioxidant and cytotoxic activities. The results show that the plants located at a higher altitude, i.e., MNP, showed higher TPC (615.7 ± 0.58 and 453.80 ± 0.95µg gallic acid equivalents/mg of plant extract dry weight (µg GAE/mg) for M. micrantha and A.houstonianum , respectively) and TFC (135.4 ± 0.46 and 120.66 ± 1.93µg quercetin equivalents/mg of plant extract dry weight (µg GE/mg) for M. micrantha and A. houstonianum, respectively). The extract of A. houstonianum. (MNP) exhibited significantly greater antioxidant activity against ABTS radicals (IC50 241.6µg/mL) as compared to the extract of A. houstonianum (DTR) (IC50 371.2µg/mL). The composition of the bioactive compounds present in the plants was determined using UPLC-ESI MS/MS and GC/MS, which detected five and ten compounds in the A. houstonianum and M. micrantha extracts, respectively. Plant species collected from the Murlen National Park site had high bioactivity potential and contained several bioactive compounds. A distinct variation between the volatile and non-volatile compounds was revealed. The collective data in this study show the influence of altitude on the biological compound production of selected medicinal plants. The findings will be utilized in the plant material needed for developing bioactive formulations.

Religion and mental health: an Eastern Mediterranean region perspective.

In the last decade, spirituality gained increasing recognition, with an individualized approach to the significance of symptoms and the purpose of treatment. Many psychiatrists started adopting the term "biopsychosocial-spiritual" management. Modern psychological therapies have drawn from the principles of ancient Eastern traditions. However, the spiritual beliefs within Islam and their impact on mental well-being have yet to be studied sufficiently. The Eastern Mediterranean region is largely Muslim and shares similar cultural beliefs. This paper explores some of these beliefs and their impact on perceptions of mental health and help-seeking behavior. The paper will focus primarily on the religious ideologies, the concepts of punishment and reward from Allah (God) in the context of the high stigma associated with mental illness in the region, and the knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions toward people with mental illness. We will explore cultural beliefs in possession, evil eye, and black magic and how they influence treatment adherence. Traditional and faith healers remain very popular in this part of the world and are often the first line of treatment for people presenting with mental illness. Suicide and self-harming are particularly sensitive areas due to their religious implications in life and death, as well as the afterlife. Despite the global interest in the Eastern Mediterranean region, there still is a shortage of research on the intercultural aspects of this region, especially regarding mental health assessments. In this regard, we will explore some published literature from Qatar and draw comparisons with regional findings.

Population-level trends in self-reported healthcare utilization among older adults in Mexico with and without cognitive impairment

BackgroundOlder adults with cognitive impairment exhibit different patterns of healthcare utilization compared to their cognitively healthy counterparts. Despite extensive research in high-income countries, similar studies in low- and middle-income countries are lacking. This study aims to investigate the population-level patterns in healthcare utilization among older adults with and without cognitive impairment in Mexico.MethodsData came from five waves (2001–2018) of the Mexican Health and Aging Study. We used self-reported measures for one or more over-night hospital stays, doctor visits, visits to homeopathic doctors, and dental visits in the past year; seeing a pharmacist in the past year; and being screened for cholesterol, diabetes, and hypertension in the past two years. Cognitive impairment was defined using a modified version of the Cross Cultural Cognitive Examination that assessed verbal memory, visuospatial and visual scanning. Total sample included 5,673 participants with cognitive impairment and 34,497 without cognitive impairment interviewed between 2001 and 2018. Generalized Estimating Equation models that adjusted for time-varying demographic and health characteristics and included an interaction term between time and cognitive status were used.ResultsFor all participants, the risk for one or more overnight hospital stays, doctor visits, and dental visits in the past year, and being screened for diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol increased from 2001 to 2012 and leveled off or decreased in 2015 and 2018. Conversely, seeing a homeopathic doctor decreased. Cognitive impairment was associated with higher risk of hospitalization (RR = 1.13, 1.03–1.23) but lower risk of outpatient services (RR = 0.95, 0.93–0.97), cholesterol screening (RR = 0.93, 0.91–0.96), and diabetes screening (RR = 0.95, 0.92–0.97).No significant difference was observed in the use of pharmacists, homeopathic doctors, or folk healers based on cognitive status. Interaction effects indicated participants with cognitive impairment had lower risk for dental visits and hypertension screening but that these trajectories differed over time compared to participants without cognitive impairment.ConclusionsWe identified distinct population-level trends in self-reported healthcare utilization and differences according to cognitive status, particularly for elective and screening services. These findings highlight the necessity for policy interventions to ensure older adults with cognitive impairment have their healthcare needs met.

Analysis of Aspects of Legal Protection for Patients Regarding Traditional Medicine in Law Number 17 of 2023 Concerning Health

This research examines legal protection for patients who are victims of traditional medical malpractice based on Law Number 17 of 2023 concerning Health. In the context of the increasing use of traditional medicine in Indonesia, it is important to understand existing legal protection mechanisms and how effective these regulations are in protecting patients' rights. This study uses a qualitative approach with literature study methods and analysis of related laws and regulations. The research results show that Law Number 17 of 2023 has provided a clearer legal framework in regulating traditional healing practices and provides protection mechanisms for patients. However, implementation in the field still faces various challenges, including a lack of effective supervision, limited public knowledge about their rights as patients, and differences in service quality in various regions. This research also identifies the important role of local governments in supervising and coaching traditional medicine service providers, as well as the need to increase education and outreach to the community regarding patient rights. In conclusion, although Law Number 17 of 2023 has provided a significant legal basis, there is still room for improvement in the implementation of this regulation to ensure optimal protection for traditional medicine patients in Indonesia.

Healers: Who are They?

The article discusses changes in healers’ healing tradition, explanatory models, use of written and published traditions. During the past century, healers used and integrated knowledge from different schools. Another significant trend rising to the fore highlights the importance of local folk medicine, which emphasises traditional values and creates novel cultural interpretations. To characterise the changes, the article introduces four healers, ranging from a half-mythic witch-herder to the healers-innovators of medical methods and local culture.

Cancer Care Terminology in African Languages

Effective communication between patients and health care teams is essential in the health care setting for delivering optimal cancer care and increasing cancer awareness. While the significance of communication in health care is widely acknowledged, the topic is largely understudied within African settings. To assess how the medical language of cancer and oncology translates into African languages and what these translations mean within their cultural context. In this multinational survey study in Africa, health professionals, community health workers, researchers, and scientists involved in cancer care and research and traditional healers were invited to participate in an online survey on a voluntary basis through online platforms. The survey provided 16 cancer and oncologic terms used in cancer diagnosis and treatment (eg, cancer, radiotherapy) to participants, mostly health care workers, who were asked to provide these terms in their local languages (if the terms existed) followed by a direct or close translation of the meaning in English. The survey was open from February to April 2023. Patterns of meaning that recurred across languages were identified using thematic analysis of 16 English-translated terms categorized into 5 themes (neutral, negative, positive, phonetic or borrowed, and unknown). A total of 107 responses (response rate was unavailable given the open and widespread distribution strategy) were collected from 32 countries spanning 44 African languages, with most participants (63 [59%]) aged 18 to 40 years; 54 (50%) were female. Translations for cancer were classified as phonetic or borrowed (34 [32%]), unknown (30 [28%]), neutral (24 [22%]), and negative (19 [18%]), with the latter category including universal connotations of fear, tragedy, incurability, and fatality. Similar elements connoting fear or tragedy were found in translations of terms such as malignant, chronic, and radiotherapy. The term radiotherapy yielded a high percentage of negative connotations (24 [22%]), with a prevailing theme of describing the treatment as being burned or burning with fire, heat, or electricity, which may potentially hinder treatment. In this survey study of cancer communication and the translation of oncology terminology in African languages, the findings suggest that the terminology may contribute to fear, health disparities, and barriers to care and pose communication difficulties for health professionals. The results reinforce the need for culturally sensitive cancer terminology for improving cancer awareness and communication.

Physicians and Iatrogenism from the Philosophy of Medicine to the Sociology of Health

In pre-modern times, health services provided by traditional healers such as clergymen, healers, and herbalists were conducted by professionalss specialized in modern medicine such as physicians and auxiliary health personnel. Although modern Western medicine has developed in many areas, it has been criticized severely. The most important of these criticisms is the unquestionable structure of modern medicine and the methods and techniques used by physicians in the treatment processes in connection with this structure. These criticisms are termed with the concept of iatrogenesis, and criticisms against both modern medicine and physicians are becoming sharper. In this study, the forms of iatrogenesis produced by modern medicine in general and by physicians in particular will be discussed from the perspective of medical philosophy and health sociology. In addition, the relationship between physicians and iatrogenism will be evaluated in the context of recently discussed issues such as patient-physician relations, commercialization of health services, construction of the patient as a customer, pharmaceutical industry and guided scientific studies, excessive use of drugs and medical devices, medicalization of life, gaining popularity of traditional treatment methods.

Perceptions of ethnoveterinary medicine among animal healthcare practitioners in South Africa.

The South African government recognises the value of traditional healing and supports an integrated healthcare system. In the veterinary field, successful integration depends on the perceptions of different animal healthcare practitioners (AHCPs). This study aimed to determine the perceptions of ethnoveterinary medicine among state-employed veterinarians and animal health technicians in the North West province. A mixed model questionnaire and non-probability sampling gathered quantitative and qualitative data from 53 participants. Statistical and thematic analysis processes were applied to quantitative and qualitative data, respectively. Overall, 77.4% of participants were aware of ethnoveterinary medicine practices. Approval of the use of ethnoveterinary medicine by farmers was above-average at a mean of 3.57, standard deviation (s.d.) = 1.016 on a 5-point Likert scale. However, 65.9% doubted the effectiveness of ethnoveterinary medicine, which suggests tolerance but no appreciation of its value. The Chi-square test revealed a significant relationship between district municipality of employment and awareness at χ2= 17.490,df= 3,p= 0.001. Thematic analysis of comments showed that some participants perceived ethnoveterinary medicine as unscientific and interfering with Western veterinary medicine, while some considered it a good complement to Western veterinary medicine. The study also found that 20.8% of AHCPs use ethnoveterinary medicine to treat certain diseases. In conclusion, the lack of appreciation for ethnoveterinary medicine among AHCPs may hinder government-proposed integration, emphasising the need for programmes to improve perceptions among these stakeholders.Contribution:This is first such study to report on perceptions of ethnoveterinary medicine among AHCPs, and assess their readiness for an integrated animal health system.

Exploring the phytochemicals and in-vitro anticancer activities of Torenia crustacea

Recent advances in herbal medicine have given it a unique place within society. This is perhaps due to its less harmful effects and plant-based products' use. The plants that we now call herbal remedies were used for centuries by many communities who relied on their traditional healers. The current study examines the phytochemicals and in-vitro anticancer activities properties of the Torenia crustacea after it have been extracted using various solvents. The plant was collected and authenticated, followed by drying, grinding and extraction using liquids with increasing polarity. The extracts obtained were subjected to phytochemical screening and TLC. The results were interpreted and used as a basis for the in vitro antioxidant and anticancer activities. The presence of phytoconstituents was further proved by TLC analysis, during which it was seen that the acetone extract exhibited two spots on the TLC plate, and the chloroform extract exhibited seven spots on the TLC plate. Various identification tests showed the presence of flavonoids, cardiac glycosides and anthraquinone glycosides. This was used as a basis for the in vitro studies, including antioxidant and anticancer studies. The results suggest that the plant under research exhibits promising in vitro antioxidant activity compared to the standard ascorbic acid with a low IC50 value. The in vitro anticancer experiments also yielded good findings, indicating that this plant has the potential to be used as a strong anticancer agent.

Updates on some medicinal and ornamental plants- Ayurvedic medicines

This literature review paper highlights morphology, distribution, medicinal properties of commercially important tree species, Thespesia populnea, Terminalia arjuna, Butea monosperma (Palas), Silver oak (Grevillea robusta), Mangifera indica, Madhuca longifolia,Melia azadirachta, Michelia champaca, Moringa oleifera, Peltophorum pterocarpum, and Aegle marmelos. These plants have been used for centuries by local communities and traditional healers for their therapeutic and medicinal properties. Medicinal plants play a crucial role in the Western Ghats, both ecologically and culturally. The use of herbal medicines for the treatment of diseases is safe and traditional. Therefore, medicinal plants have been receiving great attention because of their safety. The Western Ghats harbors more than 7,500 flowering plant species, of which nearly 1,500 are recognized for their medicinal values by local communities and traditional healers. The Western Ghats population traditional medical practices frequently center on using plant-based treatments. These medicinal plants are carefully chosen, and preparation techniques have been perfected through many years of practice. Studies indicated that Mangifera indica possesses antidiabetic, anti-oxidant, anti-viral, cardiotonic, hypotensive, and anti-inflammatory properties. Mango contains Mangiferin, a polyphenolic antioxidant and a glucosyl xanthone, has strong antioxidant, anti lipid peroxidation, immunomodulation, cardiotonic, hypotensive, wound healing, antidegenerative and antidiabetic activities.

A Gender Analysis of Perceptions of Traditional Medicines by Sikerei

This paper analyzed gender perceptions of traditional medicine by sikerei in Mentawai Islands Regency. Traditional medicine by sikerei still exists amid the modernization of medicine. The Mentawai Islands are one of the unique regions in Indonesia with a rich culture and traditions. One of the important aspects of Mentawai culture is the system of traditional medicine developed by shamans or sikerei. Sikerei is an individual who has knowledge and skills in traditional medicine and is recognized as a religious and spiritual leader in the Mentawai community. The Mentawai people develop traditional medications through rituals and use leaves as medicine in the healing process. Traditional medicine by sikerei in the Mentawai community is a practice that has existed for a long time and continues to be passed down from generation to generation. The people of the Mentawai Islands Regency view males as the ones who prioritize logic in their actions and tend to be different from females, who prioritize their feelings and hearts. This also impacts their perception of the traditional sikerei healing culture. This is in line with the Perception Theory proposed by Bimo Walgito, which states that perception is a view of an object that is obtained from the process of sensing, organizing and interpreting the object received by a person so that it is something meaningful and an integrated activity within oneself. The research method used in this research was a qualitative approach with data collection through in-depth interviews. Research participants were selected purposively by considering variations in gender, age, and socio-economic background. Interviews were conducted with sikerei, men and women in several villages in the Mentawai Islands. The study took 150 samples from the Mentawai Islands. Data was analyzed using a thematic approach. Data collected from interviews were processed and analyzed to identify the patterns and themes that emerge in the perception of traditional medicine by sikerei. Comparisons between female and male perceptions were made to explore the differences and similarities in their perceptions. The results indicated that there is a relationship between gender and perceptions of sikerei traditional medicine. The chi-square test showed the number 6.732 with df 2 which meant there was a relationship between the two variables, while the contingency coefficient test showed the number 0.214 which meant that there was a low positive relationship. Keywords: Gender perception, traditional medication, sikerei