Use Of Traditional Remedies Research Articles

Role of Medicinal Plants in the Treatment of COVID-19: A Review

As of right now, there is no evidence to support the idea that COVID-19 specific treatments exist; what is known is that the immune system is a major factor in the development and course of the illness. Chemicals of high efficacy and low toxicity have been found in plants and some of these chemicals are used as building blocks to create highly potent synthetic drugs. While the primary application of herbal treatments is in prevention, certain nations have published guidelines recommending the use of traditional remedies for varying stages of COVID-19 infection. Although Europe has a long and rich history of employing medicinal plants for therapeutic purposes, there aren't as many scientific trials for this kind of approach as there are in Asia. The ability to prevent and treat COVID-19 would be significantly impacted in this way by a bridge connecting tradition and science.

Acute Interstitial Nephritis Associated with Smilax Consumption: Case Report

The cocolmeca herb (Smilax) belongs to the smilacaceae family, comprising around 350 species of tropical and subtropical distribution, used as popular medicine in Central America and the Caribbean islands. In Mexico it has been used mainly for weight loss. Case presentation: A 52-year-old man with a history of systemic arterial hypertension and grade I obesity, with consumption of smilax for at least two months, presented deterioration in renal function, with initial studies with urea 90 mg/dl and serum creatinine 3.6. mg/dl, infectious and systemic causes were ruled out, acute tubulointerstitial nephritis was confirmed by percutaneous biopsy, management was given with methylprednisolone boluses and renal function improved. The use of traditional remedies is common throughout the world, with use rates exceeding 80% in some populations. It is considered that approximately 2% of chronic kidney disease (CKD) is due to AIN.

Therapeutic Application of Honey Against Ige-Mediated Type 1 Hypersensitivity Reactions: A Systematic Review

In contemporary times, the use of traditional remedies is still evident. One of the primary items foremost emphasized today is honey. Aside from its natural sweetener capacity, modern science highlights its potential therapeutic capabilities, including anti-inflammatory and immunoregulatory properties in different Type I Hypersensitivity conditions. This systematic review analyzed nine credible experimental studies to objectify different types of honey and its application and effect in different Type I Hypersensitivity clinical manifestations. The abundance of evidence granting IgE mediated disorders which includes Allergic Asthma, Vernal Keratoconjunctivitis, Allergic Fungal Rhinosinusitis, Allergic Rhinitis, and Atopic Dermatitis in both preclinical and clinical analysis revealed honey to be a contributing factor in suppressing different clinical manifestations of the associated conditions. The systematic review can evaluate and categorize the potential therapeutic capabilities of honey in different IgE-mediated Type I Hypersensitivity Reactions, thus, enabling a comprehended integration towards assisting the application within the clinical setting.

Use of Traditional Remedies for Treatment of Diabetic Foot Ulcers: A Cross-Sectional Study at a Tertiary Center in Saudi Arabia

Patients with diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) are prone to major complications including amputations. Traditional remedies (TR) have been used to treat DFU around the world. This study aims to identify the prevalence of TR among patients with DFU in our local cohort and its effect on DFU. 1408 patients were included in the analysis. Data were collected retrospectively from patients’ medical records. DFU characteristics include grading ulcers using the Wagner scale (WG) and infections (cellulitis and osteomyelitis). Ulcer management (UM) includes medical treatment, self-medical treatment, traditional treatment, and medical-traditional treatment. The mean age of the cohort was 60 years (SD = 12.4). The mean duration of diabetes was 18.6 years (SD = 9.3) and the mean duration of open wounds was 206.9 days (SD = 545.6). The majority were males (71%) and had type 2 diabetes (96%, SD = .204). Forty-three percent of patients were treated with TR (29% were self-prescribed and 14% prescribed by a physician) while 48% had medical treatment and 10% were self-treated using medical treatment. More than two-thirds of the cohort had cellulitis and/or osteomyelitis at the time of presentation. The use of traditional treatment was significantly associated with higher WG (WG 4 OR = 1.936, 95% CI: 1.338-2.800; WG 5 OR = 2.937, 95% CI:1.614-5.346; P < 0.05). Moreover, osteomyelitis was associated with medical-traditional treatment (OR = 1.608, 95% CI: 1.006-2.572; P < 0.05) and increased wound depth (WG 3 OR = 1.969, 95% CI: 1.193-3.250; WG 4 OR = 1.874, 95% CI: 1.115-3.15; P < 0.05). There is high use of TR for the treatment of DFU in our cohort. High Wagner-grade of foot ulcers and the presence of osteomyelitis were highly associated with DFU. This study showed for the first time the use of traditional potions by medical physicians. Both physicians and patients need to be made aware of the detrimental effects of using traditional methods on DFU.

Benefits of Manuka Honey in the Management of Infectious Diseases: Recent Advances and Prospects.

The benefits of honey have been recognized since ancient times for treating numerous diseases. However, in today's modern era, the use of traditional remedies has been rapidly diminishing due to the complexities of modern lifestyles. While antibiotics are commonly used and effective in treating pathogenic infections, their inappropriate use can lead to the development of resistance among microorganisms, resulting in their widespread prevalence. Therefore, new approaches are constantly required to combat drug-resistant microorganisms, and one practical and useful approach is the use of drug combination treatments. Manuka honey, derived from the manuka tree (Leptospermum scoparium) found exclusively in New Zealand, has garnered significant attention for its biological potential, particularly due to its antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. Moreover, when combined with antibiotics, it has demonstrated the ability to enhance their effectiveness. In this review, we delve into the chemical markers of manuka honey that are currently known, as well as detail the impact of manuka honey on the management of infectious diseases up to the present.

The impact of cultural healthcare practices on Children's health in the United Arab Emirates: a qualitative study of traditional remedies and implications.

This qualitative study investigates the impact of cultural practices on children's health in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) by examining the use of traditional remedies and home treatments by mothers. Twenty-five participants, all mothers who had employed traditional treatments or home remedies for their children during periods of illness, were included in the study. The participants represented a diverse range of educational backgrounds, from school diploma holders to university degree graduates, with ages spanning from 20 to 50 years. Hailing from different Arabic countries and cultural subgroups, the majority of participating mothers were from the UAE. Through in-depth interviews, three major themes emerged from the participants' experiences. Firstly, a strong connection between culture, religion, and healthcare practices was evident. Many mothers opted for cultural remedies as their first line of defense against illnesses due to the practices' strong foundations in their cultural heritage. Herbal remedies, Quranic healing, and other traditional methods were perceived to be both effective and spiritually comforting, reinforcing participants' sense of cultural identity. Secondly, participants highlighted unintended consequences of relying solely on traditional treatments. Some instances were reported where the use of ineffective remedies resulted in delays in seeking appropriate medical care for their children, potentially compromising their health. Additionally, certain misconceptions regarding the safety and efficacy of traditional remedies were identified, emphasizing the need for evidence-based healthcare education. This qualitative study sheds light on the intricate interplay between culture, traditional remedies, and children's health in the UAE. The incorporation of diverse participants from various Arabic countries and cultural subgroups enriches the study's applicability to broader Arabic cultures. By recognizing the significance of cultural healthcare practices and striking a balance with evidence-based care, healthcare providers can create a more inclusive and effective healthcare environment for children in the UAE. Future research should explore diverse samples and develop targeted interventions to further advance cultural awareness and understanding in healthcare practices.

Self-care practices and health-seeking behaviours in patients with dengue fever: A qualitative study from patients’ and physicians’ perspectives

Outpatient management for dengue fever is the mainstay of treatment for most dengue cases. However, severe dengue can develop rapidly while patients are at home. Understanding the self-care practices and healthcare-seeking behaviours among dengue patients managed as outpatients will help improve the delivery of care to these patients. This study aimed to explore the self-care practices, health-seeking behaviour and outpatient management of dengue fever from the perspectives of patients and primary care physicians. This qualitative study used in-depth interviews and focus group discussions to obtain information from laboratory-confirmed dengue patients who received outpatient care and primary care physicians who cared for them. Patients and physicians shared their experiences and perceptions of self-care practices, decisions to seek urgent care, and outpatient management procedures and visit frequency. Data were coded and analysed using thematic analysis. 13 patients and 11 physicians participated. We discovered that the use of traditional remedies was common with patients perceiving no harm from it, whereas physicians did not see a benefit. Dengue patients' knowledge of warning signs was inadequate despite the information being provided by physicians during clinical follow-up visits. Regarding the decision to seek urgent medical care, physicians assumed patients would seek help immediately once they experienced warning signs. However, for the patients, other factors influenced their health-seeking behaviour, such as their personal perceptions of symptom severity and often more importantly, their social circumstances (e.g., availability of childcare). Patients also described regular outpatient follow-up for dengue as inconvenient. There was variation in the prescribed outpatient follow-up interval recommended by participating physicians who complained about the lack of clear guidelines. Perceptions around self-care practices, health-seeking behaviour and outpatient management of dengue often differed between physicians and patients, especially on comprehension of dengue warning signs. Addressing these gaps between patient and physician perceptions and recognition of patient drivers of health-seeking behaviour are needed to improve the safety and delivery of outpatient care for dengue patients.

Traditional and cultural newborn care practices in the Dakace and Tsibiri communities of Nigeria: an ethnographic study

Traditional and cultural practices related to newborn care have been passed down through generations in various cultures worldwide, often with the belief that they are effective in improving the health and well-being of newborns. These practices can differ significantly between cultures. The aim of this study was to assess the traditional and cultural newborn care practices in the Dakace and Tsibiri communities of Nigeria, and to identify potential opportunities for the integration of these practices into modern healthcare approaches. An ethnographic study was conducted in the Dakace and Tsibiri communities of Nigeria, which involved observing 54 deliveries and traditional rituals surrounding newborn care through participant observation. A total of 30 participants, including traditional birth attendants, community health workers, traditional leaders, and mothers who had given birth within the past year, were included in the study, and participated in in-depth interviews and focus group discussions. The main themes that emerged from the data included the provision of warmth, nutrition, cord care, and traditional medication. In these communities, there is a strong emphasis on keeping newborns warm and providing proper nutrition, including breastfeeding and the use of traditional remedies. Cord care is also considered important, with the umbilical cord typically cut with a new razor blade and the stump treated with hot compresses and oil massages. Traditional and cultural beliefs also influence the use of traditional medication, including the use of traditional remedies to address common pregnancy-related health issues and the importance of proper nutrition during pregnancy. The study also identified the important role of fathers and other male family members in childbirth preparation. The findings of this study provide valuable insights into the traditional and cultural practices of newborn care in the Dakace and Tsibiri communities of Nigeria and identify potential opportunities for integrating these practices into modern healthcare approaches in a way that is safe and effective for the mother and child. These findings may be of interest to healthcare professionals, researchers, and policy makers working in maternal and child health, as well as to members of the Dakace and Tsibiri communities.

Prevalence and knowledge of kidney disease risk factors among Nigerians resident in Lagos State Metropolitan District, South West Nigeria.

The objective is to determine the prevalence of kidney disease (KD) risk factors and their knowledge among Nigerians aged 15-64 living in the Mainland and Island metropolitan districts of Lagos State, South West Nigeria. A total of 1171 respondents between 15 and 64 years of age were recruited for the measurements of prevalence and knowledge of KD risk factors using a structured questionnaire. Descriptive, bivariate, and logistic regression statistical analyses were employed. The respondents' mean age was 33.83 ± 11.54, with a male-to-female ratio of 0.54:0.46. Respondents without KD have lower knowledge of KD risk factors (38.26; 37.27‒39.25) than those with KD (45.00; 38.84‒50.16) with an overall knowledge score of 38.39 (37.41‒39.36). The prevalent risk factors include indiscriminate use of analgesics and frequent use of traditional remedies (P < 0.05). Knowledge predictors of KD risk factors among respondents were older age (≥30 years) (with KD-Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) 1.06: 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.82‒1.98; without KD-AOR 2.10: 95% CI: 1.52‒2.25) and chronic ailments (with KD-AOR 1.51: 95% CI: 0.28‒2.93; without KD-AOR 3.03: 95% CI: 0.04‒7.49). The study revealed a lower knowledge of KD risk factors exists in respondents without KD, but the prevalence of risk factors was higher among both cohorts of respondents. Therefore, concerted efforts should be made to sensitize strategic public health programs to expand accurate and adequate awareness and understanding of KD risk factors and their implications for well-being, and to possibly avoid the risk of the disease later in life.

Histological Study of Glandular Variability in the Skin of the Natterjack Toad-Epidalea calamita (Laurenti, 1768)-Used in Spanish Historical Ethnoveterinary Medicine and Ethnomedicine.

Simple SummaryCommon toads, including the natterjack toad (Epidalea calamita), have been used since ancient times for remedies, and thus constitute excellent biological material for pharmacological and natural product research. After a previous analysis of the historical-folk therapeutic use of amphibians in Spain, a histological study was carried out to provide a complementary ethnopharmacological view through the analysis of the integumentary heterogeneity of the serous (venom) and mucous glands from two adult specimens. Plastic-embedded semi-thin sections showed that serous/venom glands are cytologically homogeneous in spite of their genetic and biochemical complexity, leading to a cocktail that remains stored until extrusion. On the contrary, mucous glands, working continuously, show a more complex cytological variation and regional heterogeneity, which suggests an adaptive variability, leading to an invisible topographic map of skin toxicity. Natterjack toad-based folk remedies are usually extracted from the whole animal as a therapeutic unit in ethnoveterinary practice. However, a new ethnopharmacological vision could emerge from the study of tegumentary regional variation.Common toads have been used since ancient times for remedies and thus constitute excellent biological material for pharmacological and natural product research. According to the results of a previous analysis of the therapeutic use of amphibians in Spain, we decided to carry out a histological study that provides a complementary view of their ethnopharmacology, through the natterjack toad (Epidalea calamita). This species possesses a characteristic integument, where the parotoid glands stand out, and it has been used in different ethnoveterinary and ethnomedical practices. This histological study of their glandular variability allow us to understand the stages through which the animal synthesises and stores a heterogeneous glandular content according to the areas of the body and the functional moment of the glands. To study tegumentary cytology, a high-resolution, plastic embedding, semi-thin (1 micron) section method was applied. Up to 20 skin patches sampled from the dorsal and ventral sides were processed from the two adult specimens collected, which were roadkill. Serous/venom glands display a genetic and biochemical complexity, leading to a cocktail that remains stored (and perhaps changes over time) until extrusion, but mucous glands, working continuously to produce a surface protection layer, also produce a set of active protein (and other) substances that dissolve into mucous material, making a biologically active covering. This study provides a better understanding of the use of traditional remedies in ethnoveterinary medicine.

Traditional remedies and other characteristics among human snakebite survivors in Baringo county, Kenya, 2010-2020: a case series.

Seeking traditional remedies following snakebites leads to avoidable deaths in rural settings in developing countries. In this case series study, we identified and recruited 169 snakebite survivors in Baringo county, a hard-to-reach region in northwestern Kenya, who experienced snakebites from 2010 to 2020 using a snowballing technique. We explored associations between traditional and hospital care in managing snakebites and other characteristics. χ2 tests assessed these categorical differences. Fifty-four (33%) of the survivors used traditional remedies to manage snakebites. The majority (56%) were men and aged >18y (72%); 59% had low education levels and income. They sourced water from rivers or lakes (93%) and used charcoal as an energy source (74%). These survivors (>67%) resided in households practicing free-range and stall-feeding animal husbandry systems and in houses with thatch roofing or an earthen floor structure. Also, >62%reported muscle tremors, fever and chills, while 80% visited health facilities for further treatment. Community sensitization covering the risks of non-effective remedies and escalation of training to traditional healers could improve the speed of referrals in hard-to-reach snakebite hotspots. Medical anthropology studies could explore the enablers of continued use of traditional remedies in snakebite management in rural communities.

Roles of traditional medicine and traditional healers for rabies prevention and potential impacts on post-exposure prophylaxis: A literature review.

IntroductionGlobally, traditional medicine is widely used to treat a variety of injuries and illnesses, including dog bites, and exposures that are risky for rabies. However, efficacy of most traditional remedies used for rabies prevention or treatment has not been demonstrated in controlled trials or proven in community-based surveys.MethodsSix databases were searched including the terms rabies, traditional treatment, traditional remedy, traditional therapy, traditional medicine, and medicinal treatment to review traditional remedies used in the prevention and treatment of rabies. In addition, published literature of rabies transmission dynamics was used to estimate statistical likelihood of dog bite victims developing rabies to provide clarity as to why traditional healers have a high apparent success rate when preventing death from rabies in victims bitten by suspected rabid dogs.ResultsLiterature review yielded 50 articles, including three controlled experiments, that described use of traditional remedies for rabies prevention and treatment. Traditional remedies for rabies ranged from plant- or animal-based products to spiritual rituals; however, only a few controlled mice trials were conducted, and none of these trials demonstrated efficacy in preventing or treating rabies. Risk of dying from rabies after a bite from a dog with unknown rabies status is low, 1.90% (0.05%-29.60%). Therefore, traditional healers had a 98.10% (70.40%-99.95%) apparent success rate in preventing death from suspected rabid dog bites despite inefficaciousness of herbal remedies.ConclusionThere was no universal plant species or route of administration that was consistently used for rabies prevention or treatment across countries. No traditional remedy was efficacious in the prevention or treatment of rabies in randomized controlled experiments. Understanding the cultural context under which traditional remedies are used may facilitate collaboration of traditional healers with the modern medical system to ensure timely and appropriate use of proven therapies for prevention and clinical management of rabies.

Medicinal plants used for diarrhoea treatment in sheep and goats among smallholders in farm settlements of Ogun state, Nigeria

The use of traditional remedies in the treatment of diarrhoea in ruminants is a common form of therapy among poor resource smallholder farmers in Nigeria with restricted access to veterinary healthcare services. The medicinal plants of antidiarrheal importance in smallholder sheep and goat production systems were studied in farm settlements namely Ado-Odo, Ikenne and Ibiade, located in Ogun state, Nigeria. Techniques including interviews, observations and guided field walks were used to collect data from 150 farmers across the farm settlements. Results showed that all respondents owned either sheep or goats with goats more preferred, while diarrhea was also observed to be a major disease problem in goats compared to sheep. About 92% of the farmers admitted using anti-diarrhoea herbs and about 80% agreed to their effectiveness in the treatment of diarrhoea in sheep and goats. The study identified 11 plant species used to treat diarrhoea with varied recipe and the route of administration was orally. Less than 12% of these plant parts were administered solely, preparing as a single-component while the majority of the identified plants were used in combination with other plant parts. Phytochemical components were analyzed for tannin, saponin, flavonoid and alkaloid which were observed in different plant parts showing their potential as antidiarrheal agents.The usage of these plants could therefore be an indispensable component of traditional medicine practice which can serve as safe alternative and complementary medicines to various allopathic drugs that could help safeguard health and obtain optimum production from animals.&#x0D;

ATTITUDE AND USE OF TRADITIONAL HOME REMEDIES IN THE TREATMENT OF ORAL DISEASES AMONG EDUCATED PEOPLE IN MAKKAH AND MEDINA AREAS, SAUDI ARABIA: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Objectives The aim of this study was to investigate the attitude of an educated sample of population towards the use of traditional remedies in the treatment of various oral diseases in Makkah and Medina areas, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Findings The number of questionnaires answered was 125. The majority of respondents were female (85.6%), with an average age of 30 years (range 15-83 years). Most were highly educated with 75.2% having college education and 10.4% having graduate education, coming from families with variable levels of income, mostly moderate income families. Although 16% stated that they “always” and 65.6% “sometimes” believed in effectiveness of traditional medicine, 44% would not try traditional treatment before resorting to dentist for oral conditions. Only 12.8% would always try traditional treatment first. The most widely used products included clove or clove oil, myrrh, Acacia nilotica extract, and tahini (sesame seed paste). Conclusions Traditional home remedies are still being used for oral conditions by some educated people in the two areas. However, the largest proportion favors modern treatment by dentists.

Prevalence of Traditional Medicine Use during Pregnancy, at Labour and for Postpartum Care in a Rural Area in Zimbabwe.

Objectives:The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and types of traditional medicine used during pregnancy, at labour and for postpartum care by women in rural Zimbabwe.Research design:A cross-sectional survey was conducted on 398 women from two rural districts in Zimbabwe. Data on socio-demography, pregnancy related information as well as traditional medicine use patterns was collected using a structured interviewer administered questionnaire. Convenient sampling was used to recruit women of childbearing age who were either pregnant at the time of the study, or had previously given birth.Results:The prevalence of traditional medicine used during pregnancy and at labour was 69.9% and only 17.3% used these medicines for postpartum care. During pregnancy, 27.7% used soil from a mole hill, 21.6% used elephant dung, and 13.3% used Fadogia ancylantha. These medicines were mainly used to facilitate labour (43.5%), avoid tears/stitches (19.7%), make delivery easy and safe (18.3%) and to avoid prolonged labour (5%). Only 9% of the participants however reported to have experienced adverse effects from using traditional medicines.Conclusion:The use of traditional remedies in different forms during pregnancy and at labour was very common as confirmed by the high prevalence rate of 69.9%. Some of the women however used more than one type of traditional medicine during pregnancy, labour and for postpartum care. The exact effects of some of these medicines on both the mother and infant however, are not known, and there is therefore a need for them to be studied in greater detail.

A preliminary investigation of the effects of labour inducing plant, Cissampelos mucronata, on the outcomes of pregnancy using rat models.

The use of traditional remedies in pregnancy has been associated with bad obstetric outcomes including uterine rupture and foetal distress. These outcomes may ultimately lead to maternal and child mortality or morbidity. Few studies have been done to measure the effects of various herbs in pregnant women or a developing fetus. This study investigated the effects of the commonly used labour inducing plant, Cissampelos mucronata, on pregnancy outcomes using a rat model. Pregnant female rats were divided into 3 groups of 10 each. The first group was the control. The second group was treated with the aqueous extract of Cissampelos mucronata at mid-pregnancy. The third group was treated with Cissampelos mucronata close to full term. All the groups were left to give birth and outcomes were recorded. Rats treated at mid-term had significantly low number of pups when compared to the control group as well as the close to term treated group (4.1 ± 0.54 vs. 6.4 ± 0.60; 6.2± 0.56). The mid-term treated rats had pups with significantly lower body weight when compared to the control and the close to term treated groups (3.73 ± 0.36g vs. 5.37 ± 0.16g; 4.27 ± 0.1g). The average gestation period was significantly short in the mid-term treated group when compared to the control and the close to term treated groups (18.16 ± 0.50 days vs. 20.40 ± 0.44 days; 20.12 ± 0.37 days). There were no uterus ruptures observed in all study groups 3 days after delivery. Administration of Cissampelos mucronata during pregnancy leads to early induction of labour.

Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma in Western Uganda: Disease of Uncertainty and Poor Prognosis.

ObjectivesPatients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) have symptoms that masquerade as benign conditions, resulting in late presentations. The objective is to describe characteristics and stages of patients with HNSCC and document their prognosis from clinical experience in western Uganda.Study DesignCross-sectional study with clinical follow-up.SettingMbarara Regional Referral Hospital.Subjects and MethodsFifty-one participants were recruited from February to July 2016. A questionnaire was used for patient characteristics, and staging, serologic studies, biopsy for histopathology, and immunohistochemistry were investigated. Staging was subclassified as early (stage I and II) and late (stage III and IV). Analysis was done with Fisher’s exact test.ResultsOf 51 participants, 44 (86.5%) were male; the group had a mean age of 57.7 years, and 41 (80.1%) presented with late stage. Of 10 participants who presented with early stage, 6 (60%) had laryngeal HNSCC. The pharynx was ranked as the highest subsite (n = 19, 37.3%), followed by the oral cavity (n = 9, 17.6%), the larynx (n = 9, 17.6%), an unknown primary (n = 8, 15.7%), and sinonasal area (n = 6, 11.8%). Tobacco smoking, alcohol consumption, and prior use of traditional remedy were common characteristics among participants. Moderate differentiation was the most common grade (n = 23, 45.1%). Helicobacter pylori, Epstein-Barr virus, human immunodeficiency virus, and human papilloma virus type 16 were identified among 51 participants. However, none could afford referral for radiotherapy; hence, 1-year survival was 4%.ConclusionThe majority of our patients with HNSCC present at late stage, and the prognosis is poor. There is great need for preventative community-based education and early screening services to save our population.

Perception of health and health practices of five Filipino elders

It is projected that the United States will not have a single racial or ethnic majority by 2055. Health care providers need to be aware and knowledgeable of other cultures in order to deliver culturally competent care. Equally important is for health care providers to recognize their own biases and to identify and respect differences when delivering care. It is important to know the health and health beliefs of other cultures to effectively provide quality of care. This descriptive exploratory study using fieldwork was focused on the perceptions on health, being healthy, and health practices of 5 Filipino Elders. Elders were asked 7 focused, descriptive questions through interviews about health, being healthy, and health practices in their home to elicit information on the use of traditional remedies, health habits, illness practices, and resources for assistance and health information. Common themes revealed that elders’ view of a healthy person is a state of balance between physical and mental well-being. Physical appearances and mobility were part of their perception of health. Elder’s perception of an unhealthy person were poor emotional outlook, immobility, and nutritional deficiency.

Barriers to and facilitators of hypertension management in Asmara, Eritrea: patients\u2019 perspectives

BackgroundPersonal hypertension management is a cornerstone in the prevention of hypertension complications. In Eritrea, the increase in the national life expectancy rate has been accompanied by an increase in hypertension complications such as stroke. Hence, this study was designed to identify barriers and facilitates to hypertension management from the perspective of the patients.MethodsThis was a qualitative study of a total of 48 individual in-depth interviews and two focus group discussions. It was conducted among hypertensive patients who were attending outpatient services at two hospitals in Asmara, Eritrea.ResultsThis study identified barriers and facilitators of hypertension management related to the individual patient, family and community, and healthcare system. With respect to individual factors, economic barriers, stress, non-adherence to medications due to the use of traditional remedies, and difficulties and misconceptions about following physical activity guidelines were mentioned as barriers to hypertension management. Related to the community and healthcare system, low community awareness, community stigma, and inadequate health promotion materials were stated as barriers. Individual knowledge, family, and government support were reported as very important factors to the patient’s success in the personal hypertension management.ConclusionsCounseling patients about adherence to medication, strengthening family and government support, and empowering families and the community with appropriate knowledge of hypertension management could potentially help in an individual’s adherence.

Assessment of Basic Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Community on Rabies and Retrospective Survey in and around Ambo Town, West Shoa Zone of Ethiopia

Background: Rabies is acute fatal encephalitis that affects all mammals and is a worldwide zoonotic disease caused by rabies virus. Knowledge, Attitudes and Practice (KAP) of the community on rabies is vital to prevent the neglected deadly disease. The aim of the study was to assess the KAP of the community on rabies in and around Ambo town, Ethiopia. Methods: A cross sectional and retrospective studies were conducted from November 2015-April 2016 in and around Ambo town to assess knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) of community on rabies; and to know a oneyear status of human rabies suspected case in Ambo hospital. The study participants were enrolled consecutively, and data was collected using questionnaires. Data was cleaned, coded and entered for analysis by SPSS version 20 software. KAP were defined based on mean scores. Results: The questioners survey indicated that the communities had poor knowledge, good attitude and good practice with (46.1%), (50.5%) and (63.5%), respectively. Hence the overall KAP scores were good (53.4%) implying that the communities had good awareness about rabies. There was no statically significant association between sex and age of respondents with knowledge, attitude and practice scores (p>0.05). There was statistically significant association between educational level with knowledge and attitude scores (p<0.05). The retrospective review showed that the majority of suspected cases were males (52.4%). Almost all suspected cases were bitten by dog (94.2%) followed by human bites (3.8%). Majority of suspected case were recorded in autumn and winter (35.6%). Conclusion: This study showed that there was terrestrial rabies (human, canine, sylvatic) that leads to human rabies suspected case and awareness of respondents on rabies were good although poor about wound management for bitten individuals in the study areas. Further public awareness creation is still essential on multidimensional impacts of rabies, responsible pet ownership, managements of bitten animals, first aid treatment and on the use of traditional remedy.