Traditional Health Practitioners Research Articles

Traditional health practitioners' understanding of spirit possession in Gauteng province, South Africa.

Traditional health practitioners (THPs) understand spirit possession as a cultural or religious spirit occupying a person, while the mental healthcare providers understand it as a mental illness. The different understanding is based on manifestations that mimic that of mental illness, such as seeing and hearing things that others cannot see or hear. Spirit possession holds different meanings in different cultures and religions that could be either beneficial or detrimental. Furthermore, spirit possession is understood as a channel of communication between the living and the dead or God or a supernatural phenomenon in which a spirit owns a person. This study explored and interpreted THPs' understanding of spirit possession in Gauteng province, South Africa. Hermeneutic phenomenology study explored and interpreted the THPs' understanding of spirit possession in Gauteng province. In-depth individual interviews were conducted with 12 THPs who were selected through snowball sampling techniques. Data analysis followed Heidegger's and Gadamer's philosophies and Van Manen's six steps of the analytic approach. The findings revealed that THPs understood spirit possession as spiritual illness, ancestral calling and demonic spirit or witchcraft. Traditional health practitioners' understanding of spirit possession could promote mental health and prevent mental illness by providing support to a spirit-possessed person and referral to mental healthcare services. This study contributed that not all manifestations presented by persons with spirit possession are actual and clear-cut mental illness, but could be unwritten cultural and/ or religious illnesses that needs cultural and religious services also.

Exploring different health care providers´ perceptions on the management of diarrhoea in cholera hotspots in the Democratic Republic of Congo: A qualitative content analysis.

Global cholera guidelines support wider healthcare system strengthening interventions, alongside vertical outbreak responses, to end cholera. Well-trained healthcare providers are essential for a resilient health system and can create synergies with childhood diarrhoea, which has higher mortality. We explored how the main provider groups for diarrhoea in cholera hotspots interact, decide on treatment, and reflect on possible limiting factors and opportunities to improve prevention and treatment. We conducted focus group discussions in September 2022 with different healthcare provider types in two urban and two rural cholera hotspots in the North Kivu and Tanganyika provinces in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. Content analysis was used with the same coding applied to all providers. In total 15 focus group discussions with medical doctors (n = 3), nurses (n = 4), drug shop vendors (n = 4), and traditional health practitioners (n = 4) were performed. Four categories were derived from the analysis. (i) Provider dynamics: scepticism between all cadres was prominent, whilst also acknowledging the important role all provider groups have in current case management. (ii) Choice of treatment: affordability and strong caregiver demands shaped by cultural beliefs strongly affected choice. (iii) Financial consideration on access: empathy was strong, with providers finding innovative ways to create access to treatment. Concurrently, financial incentives were important, and providers asked for this to be considered when subsiding treatment. (iv) How to improve: the current cholera outbreak response approach was appreciated however there was a strong wish for broader long-term interventions targeting root causes, particularly community access to potable water. Drug shops and traditional health practitioners should be considered for inclusion in health policies for cholera and other diarrhoeal diseases. Financial incentives for the provider to improve access to low-cost treatment and investment in access to potable water should furthermore be considered.

An in vitro study to elucidate the effects of product Nkabinde on immune response in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of healthy donors.

Introduction: A significant number of the South African population still rely on traditional medicines (TM) as their primary healthcare due to their belief in their holistic healing and immune-boosting properties. However, little to no scientific data is available on the effects of most TM products on cytokine and cellular biomarkers of the immune response. Here, we evaluated the impact of traditional medicine [Product Nkabinde (PN)] in inducing cellular and cytokine biomarkers of inflammation in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from eight healthy volunteers. Methods: PN was supplied by a local Traditional Health Practitioner (THP). The IC50 (half maximum concentration) of the standardized extract on isolated PBMCs was established using the cell viability assay over 24h of incubation. Luminex and flow cytometry assays were used to measure cytokine and cellular levels in PBMCs stimulated with PN and/or PHA over 24, 48, and 72h, respectively. Results: The IC50 concentration of PN in treated PBMCs was established at 325.3μg/mL. In the cellular activation assay, the percentages of CD38-HLA-DR + on total CD4+ T cells were significantly increased in PBMCs stimulated with PN compared to unstimulated controls after 24h (p = 0.008). PN significantly induced the production of anti-inflammatory IL-10 (p = 0.041); proinflammatory cytokines IL-1α (p = 0.003), TNF-α (p < 0.0001); and chemokine MIP-1β (p = 0.046) compared to the unstimulated control after 24h. At 48h incubation, the production of proinflammatory cytokines IL-1α (p = 0.034) and TNF-α (p = 0.011) were significantly induced following treatment with PN. Conclusion: We conclude that the PN possesses in vitro immunomodulatory properties that may influence immune and inflammatory responses. More studies using PN are needed to further understand key parameters mediating induction, expression, and regulation of the immune response in the context of pathogen-associated infections.

Facility capacity and provider knowledge for cholera surveillance and diarrhoea case management in cholera hotspots in the Democratic Republic of Congo – a mixed-methods study

ABSTRACT Background Wider healthcare-strengthening interventions are recommended in cholera hotspots and could benefit other types of diarrhoeal diseases which contribute to greater mortality than cholera. Objective Describe facility capacity and provider knowledge for case management of diarrhoea and cholera surveillance in cholera hotspots in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) among health facilities, drug shops, and traditional health practitioners. Methods We conducted a sequential exploratory mixed-method study, using focus group discussions, facility audits, and provider knowledge questionnaires during September and October 2022 in North Kivu and Tanganyika provinces, Eastern DRC. Content analysis was used for qualitative data. Quantitative data were summarised by facility level and healthcare provider type. Audit and knowledge scores (range 0–100) were generated. Multivariable linear regression estimated association between scores and explanatory factors. Qualitative and quantitative data were triangulated during interpretation. Results Overall, 244 facilities and 308 providers were included. The mean audit score for health facilities was 51/100 (SD: 17). Private facilities had an −11.6 (95% CI, −16.7 to −6.6) lower adjusted mean score compared to public. Mean knowledge score was 59/100 (95% CI, 57 to 60) for health facility personnel, 46/100 (95% CI, 43 to 48) for drug shop vendors and 37/100 (95% CI, 34 to 39) for traditional health practitioners. Providers had particularly low knowledge concerning when to check for low blood sugar, use of nasogastric tubes, and dosing schedules. Knowledge about case definitions for cholera was similar between groups (range 41–58%) except for traditional health practitioners for the definition during an outbreak 15/73 (21%). Conclusions Increasing awareness of cholera case definitions in this context could help improve cholera surveillance and control. Increased support and supervision, especially for private providers, could help ensure facilities are equipped to provide safe care. More nuanced aspects of case management should be emphasised in provider training.

Antifungal and antioxidant properties of medicinal plants used against fungal infections

Background: Antioxidants present in plant extracts prevent free radicals from causing chronic diseases in humans.Aim: The study investigated 12 medicinal plants (Kleinia longiflora DC., Berchemia discolor [Klotzsch] Hemsl., Persea americana Mill., Sansevieria hyacinthoides [L.] Druce, Dichrostachys cinerea [L.] Wright Arn, Withania somnifera Dunal [Ashgandh], Momordica balsamina L., Lonchocarpus capassa, Pappea capensis, ‘Rhus lancea L. fil’ with ‘Searsia lancea (L.F.) F.A. Barkley’ Peltophorum africanum, Maytenus heterophylla [Eckl. Zeyh.] Robson) for antioxidant activity using the qualitative and quantitative 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay.Setting: The plant species were selected from the ethnomedicinal plant database of over 300 medicinal plants used for therapeutic purposes in Limpopo province.Methods: The plant materials were extracted with solvents of various polarities such as acetone, dichloromethane (DCM), methanol, hexane, and water. The qualitative and quantitative DPPH methods were used to determine the antioxidant activities of plant extracts.Results: The yellow bands revealed the presence of antioxidant compounds against the purple background on the Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) plates. Methanol, hexane, and water extracts of L. capassa were the most active radical scavengers in the DPPH assay among the six medicinal plants screened. Plant extracts of P. africanum showed strong antioxidant activity by inhibiting DPPH, compared with the standard ascorbic acid.Conclusion: The findings indicate that some extracts can be used as an easily accessible source of natural antioxidants.Contribution: The findings revealed that the plant species investigated displayed noteworthy antioxidant activity, which provides scientific evidence for their utilisation by traditional health practitioners to treat fungal infections.

Experiences of traditional health practitioners in the management of female infertility in Harare urban areas: A qualitative study.

Female infertility is a health and social problem that traditional health practitioners (THPs) have been managing in African communities. This study explored the experiences of THPs in the management of female infertility, specifically focusing on their understanding, diagnosis, and treatment methods for female infertility. This was a qualitative study targeting six THPs in Harare urban areas registered with the Traditional Medical Practitioners Council (TMPC) in Zimbabwe. The Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research (COREQ) guidelines were followed in the description of the study design, analysis and presentation of findings. The findings revealed that the etiology of female infertility was attributed to biomedical, lifestyle, spiritual, and male factors. Management of infertility depended on the type of THP. Spirit mediums relied on divination and dreams to diagnose and treat female infertility. Herbalists focused on the physical evidence provided by the client through history taking. THPs had a client referral system within their TMPC network. All THPs ultimately used medicinal plants for treating female infertility. THPs play an important role in the management of female infertility. Understanding their contributions to the management of female infertility provides an opportunity to obtain insight into their practices, thus identifying areas that responsible Ministries can use to strengthen traditional health care systems and ultimately improve reproductive health care for women in African communities.

Young People Living with HIV in Zimbabwe Use the Conventional, Religious, and Traditional Health Systems in Parallel: Findings from a Mixed Methods Study

Epidemiologists and other health practitioners increasingly recognize religion as a social determinant of health. This paper is part of a bigger study that examines how religion and tradition influence the health of young people living with HIV in a highly religious society like Zimbabwe. An analysis of 67 interviews and 10 focus group discussions with a phenomenological approach revealed that religious and traditional beliefs influenced the meaning and perception of HIV and the choice of treatment. Study participants consulted religious, traditional, and conventional health practitioners in parallel. Together the three health systems potentially provide a holistic approach that responds to the social, spiritual, psychological, and physical needs of people living with HIV. However, the findings point to a lack of cooperation between stakeholders of the three health systems that led to conflicting approaches that compromised the physical and mental health of study participants. Thus, the findings endorse the importance of strengthening the efforts of everyone involved in HIV care to reach out to other stakeholders and to negotiate a way of collaboration that mitigates negative consequences of disparities and seeks to endorse what is life affirming and leads towards the end of the AIDS pandemic by 2030.

HEALTH SEEKING BEHAVIOUR TOWARDS HYPERTENSION AMONG ADULT TRADERS IN AHIA OHURU MARKET, ABA ABIA STATE

The study examined health seeking behavior towards hypertension among adult traders in Ahia Ohuru Market Aba, Abia State. The state was randomly selected while the market was purposively chosen because it was one of the largest. Thereafter, 342 adult traders were selected by balloting. Information on adults’socio-demographic and health seeking behavior were gathered using questionnaire. Digital automatic blood pressure monitor was used to measure their blood pressures. Frequencies and percentages were used to analyze data collected while association was tested using chi square. Result showed that 35.3% and 14.9% visited private and government health facilities, respectively while 4.1% sought traditional health practitioners and 2.3% faith healers. On self-medication with herbal drugs, 22.5% and 28.1% did that most times when they were ill and for illness they considered severe. For pharmaceutical drugs, 46.5% and 14.2% self-medicated with them when sick and did that for mild illnesses most times, respectively Blood pressure readings revealed that 39.4% had normal, 30.8% were pre-hypertensive and 18.9% and 10.9% had stages I and II hypertension, respectively. Association between adults’ health seeking behavior and blood pressure was positive and significant with visit to private health facility, self -medication with herbal, pharmaceutical drugs and faith healers with X2 and p-values of 12.56; 0.057, 23.67; 0.036, 27.56; 0.027 and 17.34; 0.043, respectively. In conclusion, seeking health care in questionable places or self- medication plus other factors may adversely affect onset and progression of hypertension.

Polyherbal Combinations Used by Traditional Health Practitioners against Mental Illnesses in Bamako, Mali, West Africa

This study explores the traditional knowledge of plants used by traditional health practitioners (THPs) in the treatment of symptoms or syndromes related to mental illnesses in the district of Bamako in Mali, along with the identification of affiliated traditional treating methods. An exploratory and cross-sectional ethnopharmacological survey was conducted in the district of Bamako. The Malian Federation of Associations of Therapists and Herbalists (FEMATH) assisted in the identification and inclusion of the THPs. Data sampling included semi-structured interviews, questionnaires, and in-depth interviews. Quantitative data were evaluated by analysing reports of the use of different medicinal plants and the number of participants. Fifteen THPs belonging to the district of Bamako participated. In total, 43 medicinal plants belonging to 22 plant families were used by the THPs. The most cited plant species was Securidaca longepedunculata (violet tree), followed by Khaya senegalensis (African mahogany) and Boscia integrifolia (rough-leaved shepherds tree). A great number of herbal combinations, preparation methods, and administration routes were used, often with honey as an adjuvant. To our knowledge, this is the first ethnobotanical survey on the use of medicinal plants in the treatment of all types of mental disorders in Bamako.

Exploration of ethnomedicinal plants, diversity and their practices in human healthcare in Tehsil Mandan, District Buner, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

This study aimed to document, compare, and highlight the ethnobotanical significance of medicinal plants in treating various diseases. The study involved interviewing 158 informants (19 females and 139 males), including traditional health practitioners, using semi-structured questionnaires and open-ended interviews. The study documented demographic information about the informants and gathered data on aspects such as the life form of the plants, specific plant parts used, methods of preparation, application modes, and the ethnomedicinal uses of the plants. Data analysis focused on important locally known medicinal plants, using quantitative indices such as Relative Frequency Citation (RFC), Use Value (UV), Informants Consensus Factor (ICF), and Fidelity Level (FL) to assess the validity and consistency of the collected ethnomedicinal data. The agreement and homogeneity of the data were evaluated among the present and previous studies and within indigenous communities using the Jaccard Index (JI). A total of 140 plant species from 98 genera and 65 families were collected, identified, and ethnobotanically evaluated. The reported ailments (30) were categorized into 23 disease categories based on the ICF values. Gastrointestinal and respiratory tract disorders had the highest number of reported plant species for treatment. The families Asteraceae and Lamiaceae were the most frequently reported. Herbs were the most commonly used life form (78 reports), followed by shrubs (32 reports). Leaves were the most commonly used plant part (53 reports), and decoction was the most common administration method (78 reports), followed by powder (25 reports). Eight plant species exhibited a 100% fidelity level due to their frequent use. UV ranged from 0.42 to 0.01, while Relative Frequency Citation (RFC) ranged from 0.98 to 0.75. The studies showed a maximum similarity JI of 46.5, followed by 35.6. Major conservation concerns included urbanization, browsing, overgrazing, invasion of exotic species, fuel-related activities, and lack of public awareness. In conclusion, the diverse range of medicinal plant species and associated traditional knowledge are integral to primary healthcare. Identifying plant species with high RFC and UV values is crucial for comprehensive phytochemical and pharmacological studies. Preserving and globally promoting ethnobotanical heritage is vital for analyzing phytochemicals and facilitating future drug discovery. Recognizing the value of this heritage enables us to harness its potential in advancing healthcare and pharmaceutical research.

Entomotherapy as an alternative treatment for diseases due to Gram-negative bacteria in Burkina Faso

Insects are known for their harmful effects. However, they also benefit humans, animals, plants, and ecosystems. Its beneficial uses include entomophagy and entomotherapy. This study aimed to evaluate the antibacterial activity of insect extracts against Gram-negative bacteria. Antibacterial activities of thirteen crude extracts of medicinal insects were tested against twelve Gram-negative bacteria by diffusion on agar. Imipenem was used as an antibiotic for positive control. The thirteen extracts acted differently against certain Gram-negative bacteria. The largest inhibition diameter was for extracts of Cirina butyrospermi and Mylabris variabilis against Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC27853 and Salmonella enteritidis ATCC13076, respectively. The diameters of inhibition obtained using imipenem against these same bacterial strains were 13.0 ± 0.0 mm and 22 ± 1.0 mm, respectively. The lowest inhibition diameter (7.5 ± 0.0 mm) was obtained using Anopheles gambiae extract against Salmonella Typhimurium ATCC14028. Imipenem was active on all strains tested. The highest values of the index multi-resistance to insect’s extracts were reported for Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC9027 and Serratia odorifera 652411. Overall, the results of this study confirmed the antibacterial activities of insects used by traditional health practitioners to treat different pathologies. Entomotherapy could be an alternative treatment for certain infectious pathologies caused by gram-negative bacteria.

Ethnobotany, traditional knowledge, and nutritional value of Argan (Argania spinosa (L.) Skeels) in Western Anti-Atlas of Morocco.

The Souss region in Morocco is known nationally and internationally for its essential knowledge of traditional herbal medicine and the cultural heritage of nutrition. The endemic species Argania spinosa (L.) Skeels is an important crucial plant used by the local population to treat many diseases and prepare some authentic foods. To identify the therapeutic uses of the Argan tree [Argania spinosa (L.) Skeels] and their benefits in preparing authentic foods, the survey was conducted using semi-structured questionnaires. We have achieved 450 interviews with traditional health practitioners and knowledgeable villagers. In the region of Chtouka Aït Baha and Tiznit (Western Anti-Atlas). In parallel with this survey, we collected some old local manuscripts from conventional practitioners in the region. The data obtained were analyzed using specific ethnobotanical indices such as Use Value (UV), Fidelity Level (FL), and Relative Frequency of Citation (RFC). In parallel, we analyzed the nutritional value of some authentic foods derived the argan oil (Amlou, Tagoulla, and Labsis). All 450 interviewees use the argan oil in food or for the preparation of their authentic foods derived (Amlou, Tagoulla, and Labsis); among them, 100 persons use Argan, in addition to food, in the treatment of various diseases with UV and RFC at 1.94 and 0.22, respectively. Among eight treated diseases by argan tree, the treatment of skin and subcutaneous diseases had a very highly significant value of the FL index (98%). Similarly, the analysis of the manuscripts collected in the study area revealed an ancient therapeutic use of the argan tree. The results also show that the Argan oil extracted from the seed is used to prepare authentic foods with significant nutritional value, especially Amlou.

"Critical issues detrimental to a cooperative cancer treatment:&amp;nbsp; Perspectives&amp;nbsp;of Radiation oncologists and Raditional Health Practitioners&amp;nbsp;in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa"

Introduction / Background: The mortality and morbidity as a result of cancer is expected to escalate in the coming decades due to the increase in cancer occurences globally. The most common treatment for cancer provided by the Radiation Oncologists (ROs) is radiation therapy. In developing countries where there are constrained radiotherapy resources, patients consult concurrently with Traditional Health Practitioners (THPs) and Radiation Oncologists (ROs) for cure or relief from the cancer. Consequently, there are interruptions of treatment and patients present with advanced cancer. Studies have shown that cooperative practice in cancer treatment is crucial for continuity of care. However, there is lack of information on critical issues that can be detrimental to a cooperative practice in cancer treatment. The current study explored those issues as perceived by THPs and ROs in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), South Africa.&#x0D; Methods: A qualitative case study approach was utilised in this study. This is part of a bigger study conducted to develop a framework for a cooperative practice cancer treatment between THPs and ROs in KZN. Five focus group interviews were conducted with 28 THPs who were selected using snowball. Those were the THPs from eight of 11 districts in KZN who were practising and involved in the treatment of cancer. Furthermore, individual interviews were conducted to collect data from four purposively selected ROs employed at public oncology hospitals. Using a framework analysis, data were analysed to identify themes.&#x0D; Results: The THPs were classified as traditional herbalists, diviners and spiritual healers who were involved in the treatment of patients with cancer. On the other hand, four of seven ROs employed at public hospitals, agreed to participate in the study. With regards to issues detrimental to a cooperative cancer treatment, the emergent themes included lack of relationship, team work, respect and trust, communication, patient involvement in treatment decision making, and delays in patient referrals. &#x0D; Discussion: Despite the ROs’ concern about the role of THPs in cancer treatment, both parties are willing to work together. The issues detrimental to a cooperative practice in cancer treatment between THPs and ROs, need to be rectified. The THPs indicated the desire to build a relationship with the ROs. They felt this would allow them to be able to refer patients to the ROs to confirm a diagnosis before commencing treatment, evaluate their treatments, and provide further treatment if their initial treatment was unsuccessful.&#x0D; &#x0D; Conclusion: Based on the findings of the study, it can be concluded that the THPs and ROs should operate as parallel systems but have a working relationship in order to facilitate the movement of cancer patients between them and ensure that there is continuity of care.&#x0D; Furthermore, cooperation can be encouraged through formal government policies, and that a representative for THPs is needed in all government structures associated with cancer treatment.&#x0D; &#x0D;

Ethnobotanical and comparative study of the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential of three organs of Zanthoxylum zanthoxyloides, a plant used in the traditional treatment of sickle-cell disease in Bamako

The literature reports that the sickle cell patients frequently use plants to manage their recurrent attacks. The aim of the present study was to contribute to a better understanding of the medicinal plants used in the management of that disease. An ethnobotanical survey was conducted in and around Bamako. The most frequently cited species was selected: Zanthoxylum zanthoxyloides Lam. Zepernick. &amp; Timler, and the in vitro antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential of their leaf, fruit and root extracts were assessed. A total of 39 people were surveyed, including 21 herbalists, 6 traditional health practitioners and 12 sickle-cell patients. Analysis of the survey forms revealed 19 plant species belonging to 16 families, including Z. zanthoxyloides, which had the highest frequency of citation (20.51%). The phytochemical screening of this species revealed the presence of alkaloids, phenolic compounds (flavonoids, tannins, coumarins), saponins and terpenes. The hydroethanolic extracts of Z. zanthoxyloides fruits showed the best DPPH free radical scavenging activity with an inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 20.80±0.11 µg/mL followed by hydroethanolic extracts of bark with IC50=22.9±0.14 µg/mL. In the phosphomolybdate test, the aqueous fruit extracts with a value of 537.70±0.05 mg AAE/100g exhibited the highest antioxidant potential. At a concentration of 1 mg/mL extracts, the aqueous fruit extracts demonstrated the most effective protein denaturation rates (92.66±0.66%) followed by the ethanolic root extracts (92.95±1.10%). This study showed that the fruits exhibit the highest promising anti-free radical and anti-inflammatory potential.

Barcoding and traditional health practitioner perspectives are informative to monitor and conserve frogs and reptiles traded for traditional medicine in urban South Africa.

Previous literature suggests that Indigenous cultural practices, specifically traditional medicine, are commonplace among urban communities contrary to the general conception that such practices are restricted to rural societies. We reviewed previous literature for records of herptiles (frog and reptile species) sold by traditional health practitioners in urban South Africa, then used visual confirmation surveys, DNA barcoding and folk taxonomy to identify the herptile species that were on sale. Additionally, we interviewed 11 IsiZulu and SePedi speaking traditional health practitioners to document details of the collection and pricing of herptile specimens along with the practitioners' views of current conservation measures for traditional medicine markets. The 34 herptile species recorded in previous literature on traditional medicine markets included endangered and non-native species. Spectrophotometry measurements of the DNA we extracted from the tissue of herptiles used in traditional medicine were an unreliable predictor of whether those extractions would be suitable for further experimental work. From our initial set of 111 tissue samples, 81 sequencing reactions were successful and 55 of those sequences had species-level matches to COI reference sequences on the NCBI GenBank and/or BOLD databases. Molecular identification revealed that traditional health practitioners correctly labelled 77% of the samples that we successfully identified with DNA barcoding in this study. Our mixed methodology approach is useful for conservation planning as it updates knowledge of animal use in Indigenous remedies and can accurately identify species of high conservation priority. Furthermore, this study highlights the possibility of collaborative conservation planning with traditional health practitioners.

Environmental Degradation and Changes in Traditional Health Practice (THP) in Bayelsa State, Nigeria

This study on environmental degradation and changes in traditional health practices in Bayelsa state has come at the right time to contribute to the move in repositioning the Nigerian health care system. The study has identified the challenges of the traditional medicine practices majorly from the impact of environmental degradation. It sought to investigate the socio-economic characteristics of traditional health practitioners (THPs) in Bayelsa state; to examine the nature and trend of traditional health practices in Bayelsa state; and to investigate the dynamics in traditional health practices due to environmental changes in Bayelsa state. This was done by using the multi stage sampling method to select 72 THPs age between 21 and 100 years in Bayelsa state. Using a semi structured interview guide, the study sourced primary data from the respondents which was analysed using the thematic method of analysis. The results from the analysis reveals that there is low level of education among the THPs; the traditional health services no longer sustain the practitioners financially, so they result to alternative sources of income; and the reason why the practices no longer sustain the practitioners is found the challenges posed on the practice by environmental degradation. The study therefore concludes that if other factors like level of education of THPs and people’s orientation towards traditional medicine, is ruled out, then environmental degradation is one major challenge to the development of traditional medicine in Bayelsa state and Nigeria generally. Therefore, recommendations were made based on these findings.

Challenges Associated With the Documentation and Digital Preservation of Traditional Medicine by Traditional Health Practitioners in Katsina State, Nigeria

Paper sought to explore challenges associated with the documentation and digital preservation of traditional medicine by the Traditional Medical Practitioners in Katsina State of Nigeria. Traditional Medicine is the indigenous and culturally developed response to the health problems that threaten man’s existence. Traditional medical practices are still shrouded with much secrecy, with few reports or documentations on the profession and on the other hand the adverse reactions of the medicine. In conclusion, documenting and digital preservation of traditional medical knowledge was considered the most important factor that would encourage patronisers to use the medicine and the ascendants’ of the traditional medical practitioners to continue with the practice.

Knowledge, attitude and perceptions of dental professionals on patients seeking oral health care from traditional healers in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

BackgroundThe general and oral healthcare needs of communities far exceed the capacity of the current public health system of South Africa (SA). This results in patients deferring treatment or seeking alternative measures in the form of the traditional health practice. It is important for dental professionals in the health system to be aware of such oral health care seeking behaviour within rural communities to initiate joint corporate oral health education programmes and referral systems that resonate with these communities. &#x0D; Aims and objectivesThe study aimed to explore the knowledge, attitude and perceptions of dental professionals (16 dentists, 25 dental therapists, 4 oral hygienists and 3 dental assistants) regarding patients seeking oral health care from traditional healers. &#x0D; MethodsThis was an exploratory, cross-sectional study that evaluated dental professionals’ knowledge, attitude and perceptions on patients seeking oral health care from traditional healers. A purposive sampling technique using specific inclusion criteria was used to select 48 qualified dental professionals (oral hygienists, dentists, dental assistants and dental therapists) practising in rural KwaZulu-Natal. A self-administered questionnaire was used for data collection. Data related to sociodemographic variables and knowledge, attitudes and perceptions of dental professionals were recorded. &#x0D; ResultsMost (77.1%) dental professionals were aware that their patients were seeking oral health care from traditional healers. They further maintained that the traditional health practice included ideas and methods from which the oral health fraternity could benefit. &#x0D; ConclusionThis study revealed most of the dental professionals in rural Kwa-Zulu Natal have encountered patients who have consulted traditional health practitioners for oral health care. The dental personnel were accepting of traditional healers and believed that traditional healers could contribute positively to rural oral health care.

Traditional health practitioners' training needs on biomedical knowledge and skills in a South African township.

Traditional health practitioners (THPs) play an important role in communities by providing necessary health services for a variety of health problems. Possessing complementary biomedical knowledge and skills is vital in saving lives of patients. However, less is known about biomedical knowledge and skills among THPs. This study aimed to explore and describe the training needs of THPs on biomedical knowledge and skills in urban townships in South Africa. The study was conducted in a township in the City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality of Gauteng province, South Africa. A qualitative, explorative, descriptive design with 18 THPs was employed through snowballing sampling. Data were collected through a lekgotla group discussion and thematic content analysis undertaken. Themes that emanated include knowledge of the basic physiological functioning of the human body; biomedical knowledge and skills required for the assessment of patients; managing emergency health conditions and understanding diagnostic concepts used in traditional health practice versus biomedical systems. Traditional health practitioners have demonstrated interest in being trained on certain skills used within the biomedical system to care for patients. Performing the necessary first-aid skills by THPs will assist patients in the communities while waiting for emergency services or referrals. Provision of training programmes for THPs on first aid interventions during emergencies is therefore recommended.Contribution: The study revealed that capacitating THPs with biomedical knowledge and skills can improve their ability to promote healthy living and prevent health problems in communities where access to resources is limited.

A qualitative study on traditional healers' perceptions and management of epidermolysis bullosa.

Epidermolysis bullosa (EB) is a rare, incurable genodermatosis causing blisters that can result in multisystemic complications and death. Limited data exists on EB in South Africa. Research indicates that the majority of African patients consult traditional health practitioners (THPs) before seeking allopathic healthcare. This study aims to understand THPs belief systems, experiences, perceptions and management of EB patients and their families in the social and cultural context to improve the healthcare of EB patients. The study setting is Nelson Mandela School of Medicine, Durban, and Grey's hospital, Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal. Qualitative in-depth interviews were conducted with 10 THPs. A non-probability, purposive sampling method was used. A two-site qualitative study was guided by interpretative phenomenological analysis. Guba's trustworthiness framework was used to ensure rigour. Three male and seven female THPs were interviewed, including sangoma, inyanga and umthandazi. The integration presented five global themes: (1) THP practices, (2) perceptions of THP, (3) experiences of THP with patients with EB, (4) diagnosis and management plans of THP and (5) vision and role of THPs. There were multiple divergent perspectives among the THPs with the shared African worldview. Understanding THPs belief systems and therapeutic options is crucial for holistic patient management. Knowledge exchange can promote safe healthcare practices and facilitate collaboration between traditional and allopathic health practitioners. This is the first study to explore THPs perceptions and practices regarding EB, a rare disease.