This document examines public perceptions of the role of traditional medicine in Ghana. It finds that traditional medicine is widely used and accessible, as it is effective in treating many common conditions like malaria, arthritis, and infertility. However, the safety of traditional medicine is not standardized. There is some unofficial interaction between traditional and orthodox medical providers through referrals, but the referral system is not well-coordinated. The conclusion is that traditional medicine plays an important role in healthcare in Ghana by providing accessible treatment, but that safety standards and coordination with the orthodox system could be improved.
FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH HUMAN IMMUNODEFICIENCY VIRUS COUNSELLING AND TESTING ...Razak Mohammed Gyasi
Since 2003, the HIV Voluntary Counselling and Testing (VCT) has been identified as one of the key strategies in the HIV/AIDS prevention, control and care programmes in Ghana. However, utilization of this service is low among Ghanaian youth. This study examined predictors associated with VCT utilization among youth in Ghana. This study utilized quantitative and qualitative data in a cross-sectional survey in three sub-metropolitan areas in Kumasi. Using a multi-variate regression, evidence from 120 respondents showed potential factors associated with VCT utilization. The qualitative data were subjected to a content analysis through direct quotes. The results suggest that less than 30% of the youth had ever tested for HIV through VC. Women were more likely to avail themselves for counselling testing than men. Psychological and emotional trauma experienced by the seropositive, lack of confidentiality, proximity to VCT sites, HIV-related stigma inter alia, were found to be strongly associated with HIV VCT in the study prefecture. VCT utilization among the youth in Ghana was low and affected by HIV/AIDS-related stigma and residence. In order to increase VCT acceptability, HIV/AIDS prevention and control programs in the country should focus on reducing HIV/AIDS-related stigma.
Effects of Diabetes Mellitus in Prediction of Its Management in Kakamega Countypaperpublications3
Abstract: This descriptive study aimed at studying whether the effects of diabetes mellitus can predict its management in Kakamega County and Kenya. 327 respondents took part in the survey, with 135 (41.3%) being females and 192 (58.7%) being males. Most of the respondents, 190 (62.5%) had acquired primary education, 23 (7.6%) of the respondents had attained post-secondary education. 91(29.9%) of the respondents had attained secondary education. Most of the respondents did know the side effects of diabetes mellitus 204 (67.1%). Those who said loose of body weight 91 (29.9%) as side effects of diabetes were many as compared to those who identified non-healing wounds 9 (3%). Most of the respondents indicated that they did exercise as part of utilization of glucose in the blood stream. Although bicycling was done as an exercise but those who did were 13 (4.3%) as those who did not were 291 (95.7%). A balanced diet results in control of blood pressure and dyslipidemia which was a good riddance in the study area. Both the national government and the county government of Kenya and Kakamega respectively should strengthen health systems through innovative health care and promotion on effects of diabetes mellitus so that the burden of diabetes mellitus is reduced on both the health care services and the community in Kakamega and Kenya.
FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH HUMAN IMMUNODEFICIENCY VIRUS COUNSELLING AND TESTING ...Razak Mohammed Gyasi
Since 2003, the HIV Voluntary Counselling and Testing (VCT) has been identified as one of the key strategies in the HIV/AIDS prevention, control and care programmes in Ghana. However, utilization of this service is low among Ghanaian youth. This study examined predictors associated with VCT utilization among youth in Ghana. This study utilized quantitative and qualitative data in a cross-sectional survey in three sub-metropolitan areas in Kumasi. Using a multi-variate regression, evidence from 120 respondents showed potential factors associated with VCT utilization. The qualitative data were subjected to a content analysis through direct quotes. The results suggest that less than 30% of the youth had ever tested for HIV through VC. Women were more likely to avail themselves for counselling testing than men. Psychological and emotional trauma experienced by the seropositive, lack of confidentiality, proximity to VCT sites, HIV-related stigma inter alia, were found to be strongly associated with HIV VCT in the study prefecture. VCT utilization among the youth in Ghana was low and affected by HIV/AIDS-related stigma and residence. In order to increase VCT acceptability, HIV/AIDS prevention and control programs in the country should focus on reducing HIV/AIDS-related stigma.
Effects of Diabetes Mellitus in Prediction of Its Management in Kakamega Countypaperpublications3
Abstract: This descriptive study aimed at studying whether the effects of diabetes mellitus can predict its management in Kakamega County and Kenya. 327 respondents took part in the survey, with 135 (41.3%) being females and 192 (58.7%) being males. Most of the respondents, 190 (62.5%) had acquired primary education, 23 (7.6%) of the respondents had attained post-secondary education. 91(29.9%) of the respondents had attained secondary education. Most of the respondents did know the side effects of diabetes mellitus 204 (67.1%). Those who said loose of body weight 91 (29.9%) as side effects of diabetes were many as compared to those who identified non-healing wounds 9 (3%). Most of the respondents indicated that they did exercise as part of utilization of glucose in the blood stream. Although bicycling was done as an exercise but those who did were 13 (4.3%) as those who did not were 291 (95.7%). A balanced diet results in control of blood pressure and dyslipidemia which was a good riddance in the study area. Both the national government and the county government of Kenya and Kakamega respectively should strengthen health systems through innovative health care and promotion on effects of diabetes mellitus so that the burden of diabetes mellitus is reduced on both the health care services and the community in Kakamega and Kenya.
Abstract—Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is one of the major global public health problems with nearly 2 billion people infected worldwide. So this present study was planned to have information about socio-demographic characteristics of study subjects, level of knowledge about Hepatitis B and vaccination among adults. A cross-sectional, community-based study about hepatitis B knowledge and vaccination status among ethnic 1300 Kashmiri population aged 18 years and above was conducted. The study area was block Hazratbal of district Srinagar. There were 970 (74.6%) females and 330 (25.4%) males. Majority of our participants (54.7%) were in the age group of 21-40 years. Most of the participants were from urban areas(68%), currently married(66.8%), illiterate(64.8), members of joint family(59%) and belonging to socio-economic class II(67.2%). Regarding knowledge, only 10.2% subjects had heard of Hepatitis B before this study. Among them, 50 (37.6%) participants were aware of the modes of transmission of this disease. About the Hepatitis B vaccination, only 26 (2%) participants out of 1300 had ever received the vaccine. Keeping in view, the low level of knowledge about Hepatitis B in the general population, there is a need to organize health education campaigns targeting both health care workers as well as public, so that they adopt all possible measures to prevent the spread of this fatal infection.
Impediment to a Health Seeking Behaviour: an evaluation of Access to Reproduc...iosrjce
The study sort to evaluate the barriers to access to reproductive health services for women in
Matabeleland South. The study was premised on the Health Belief Model (HBM) formulated by Hochbaum,
Kegees, Leventhal and Rosenstockof 1974 cited in Chiremba and Maunganidze (2004). They propound that the
HBM has 3 main components, namely individual factors, modifying factors and likelihood of action. They infer
that, an individual’s attitude determines how she/he engages in certain behaviour. Conducted over 21 days, the
study employed both qualitative and quantitative methodologies. The quantitative aspects included
questionnaires that were administered to women of child-bearing age and adolescent girls, whilst the
qualitative aspect involved secondary data review, facility assessment and focus group discussions. Purposive
and random sampling techniques were used to identify the ideal participants for the survey. The key findings
were that; Safe Motherhood was and is dependent on a lot of issues, some of which are, policies and systems,
resources (financial, material and human), community/departmental structures, infrastructure and mostly the
demography of the community including their attitudes, perceptions and beliefs. The study recommends removal
of barriers to access to health through: Resuscitation of the country’s strategy of having a health facility at
every 10 kilometre radius; Regular mobile clinics especially for reproductive health services and baby clinics to
resettlement areas that were pegged far from services; Resourcing of existing health facilities in terms of
human, material and financial resources and most of all; Change of policies, perceptions and practises that
hinder access to reproductive health services and attainment of basic health rights
Factors Influencing Occurrence of Diabetes Mellitus in Shieywe Location Kakam...paperpublications3
Abstract: This cross-sectional study sought to establish factors influencing occurrence of diabetes mellitus in Shieywe location Kakamega County.
Methods: Data was collected through face-to-face interview with selected respondents by a structured questionnaire. Results: 327 respondents took part in the survey, of which 135 (41.3%) were females and 192 (58.7%) were males. Only 23 (7.6%) of the respondents had attained tertiary education (post-secondary education). 91(29.9%) of the respondents had attained secondary education. Most of the respondents, 190 (62.5%) had acquired primary education. Although bicycling exercise is attributed to be a means of preventing diabetes mellitus but those who did were 13 (4.3%) as those who did not were 291 (95.7%). The non-diabetics seeking diabetes medical assistance who covered less than a kilometer to reach a health facility were 73 (24%), as those who covered between 2-5 kilometers being 161 (53%) and those who covered more than 6 kilometers were 70 (23%) to attend scheduled clinics and medical attention. Conclusion: most of diabetics covered more than 6 Kms and 2-5kms to reach a health facility. The Ministry of Health should provide comprehensive services for diabetes mellitus management at level two health facilities to make diabetes mellitus services accessible and affordable.
YAW ERADICATION PROGRAM
introduction,meaning,description about yaw, casuative agent,transmission,clinical symptom,differential dianosis,diagnosis method,treatment, preventive measure global review, national eradication program for eradication
by DR.Anjalatchi eras college of nursing ,lucknow
Abstract—Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is one of the major global public health problems with nearly 2 billion people infected worldwide. So this present study was planned to have information about socio-demographic characteristics of study subjects, level of knowledge about Hepatitis B and vaccination among adults. A cross-sectional, community-based study about hepatitis B knowledge and vaccination status among ethnic 1300 Kashmiri population aged 18 years and above was conducted. The study area was block Hazratbal of district Srinagar. There were 970 (74.6%) females and 330 (25.4%) males. Majority of our participants (54.7%) were in the age group of 21-40 years. Most of the participants were from urban areas(68%), currently married(66.8%), illiterate(64.8), members of joint family(59%) and belonging to socio-economic class II(67.2%). Regarding knowledge, only 10.2% subjects had heard of Hepatitis B before this study. Among them, 50 (37.6%) participants were aware of the modes of transmission of this disease. About the Hepatitis B vaccination, only 26 (2%) participants out of 1300 had ever received the vaccine. Keeping in view, the low level of knowledge about Hepatitis B in the general population, there is a need to organize health education campaigns targeting both health care workers as well as public, so that they adopt all possible measures to prevent the spread of this fatal infection.
Impediment to a Health Seeking Behaviour: an evaluation of Access to Reproduc...iosrjce
The study sort to evaluate the barriers to access to reproductive health services for women in
Matabeleland South. The study was premised on the Health Belief Model (HBM) formulated by Hochbaum,
Kegees, Leventhal and Rosenstockof 1974 cited in Chiremba and Maunganidze (2004). They propound that the
HBM has 3 main components, namely individual factors, modifying factors and likelihood of action. They infer
that, an individual’s attitude determines how she/he engages in certain behaviour. Conducted over 21 days, the
study employed both qualitative and quantitative methodologies. The quantitative aspects included
questionnaires that were administered to women of child-bearing age and adolescent girls, whilst the
qualitative aspect involved secondary data review, facility assessment and focus group discussions. Purposive
and random sampling techniques were used to identify the ideal participants for the survey. The key findings
were that; Safe Motherhood was and is dependent on a lot of issues, some of which are, policies and systems,
resources (financial, material and human), community/departmental structures, infrastructure and mostly the
demography of the community including their attitudes, perceptions and beliefs. The study recommends removal
of barriers to access to health through: Resuscitation of the country’s strategy of having a health facility at
every 10 kilometre radius; Regular mobile clinics especially for reproductive health services and baby clinics to
resettlement areas that were pegged far from services; Resourcing of existing health facilities in terms of
human, material and financial resources and most of all; Change of policies, perceptions and practises that
hinder access to reproductive health services and attainment of basic health rights
Factors Influencing Occurrence of Diabetes Mellitus in Shieywe Location Kakam...paperpublications3
Abstract: This cross-sectional study sought to establish factors influencing occurrence of diabetes mellitus in Shieywe location Kakamega County.
Methods: Data was collected through face-to-face interview with selected respondents by a structured questionnaire. Results: 327 respondents took part in the survey, of which 135 (41.3%) were females and 192 (58.7%) were males. Only 23 (7.6%) of the respondents had attained tertiary education (post-secondary education). 91(29.9%) of the respondents had attained secondary education. Most of the respondents, 190 (62.5%) had acquired primary education. Although bicycling exercise is attributed to be a means of preventing diabetes mellitus but those who did were 13 (4.3%) as those who did not were 291 (95.7%). The non-diabetics seeking diabetes medical assistance who covered less than a kilometer to reach a health facility were 73 (24%), as those who covered between 2-5 kilometers being 161 (53%) and those who covered more than 6 kilometers were 70 (23%) to attend scheduled clinics and medical attention. Conclusion: most of diabetics covered more than 6 Kms and 2-5kms to reach a health facility. The Ministry of Health should provide comprehensive services for diabetes mellitus management at level two health facilities to make diabetes mellitus services accessible and affordable.
YAW ERADICATION PROGRAM
introduction,meaning,description about yaw, casuative agent,transmission,clinical symptom,differential dianosis,diagnosis method,treatment, preventive measure global review, national eradication program for eradication
by DR.Anjalatchi eras college of nursing ,lucknow
Running head: SOUTH AFRICA HEALTH 1
2
SOUTH AFRICA HEALTH SYSTEM
3
SOUTH AFRICA HEALTH SYSTEM
South Africa Health System
Diamond DeWindt
December 22, 2019
Author Note
This paper was prepared for BHS380: Global Health and Health Policy, Session 2019NOV11FT- 1, Module 3, SLP 3 Assignment, taught by Dr. Michael Mucedola.
South Africa Health System
South Africa has a healthcare system which is structured at different levels. There are clinics, community health centers, and hospitals. The first level in the hospital structures are the clinics which treat the common needs of the people. It is these clinics that will refer someone further to the hospitals when one needs the further treatment. The clinics are either satellite or mobile clinics which are run by primary healthcare nurses. The community health centers are larger than the clinics and they have both nurses and doctors taking care of the patients. The last level of healthcare facilities are hospitals. The hospitals are for surgery, serious illnesses or emergency treatment that cannot be handled at the clinic levels. An individual can only go to the hospitals if they are referred by doctors in the clinics or in the case of an emergency. Basic healthcare is provided for free by the government through the healthcare services at the provincial level (Masquillier et al., 2015). There is also private healthcare insurance and those who get it receive tax benefits.
There are several gaps that are present in the healthcare gaps in South Africa that have contributed to the rapid spread of the HIV pandemic. South Africa has one of the highest HIV epidemics in the world with over seven million people living with it (Masquillier et al., 2015). The spread of HIV has been caused by gaps which are there in dealing with healthcare awareness for marginalized groups. There are several demographics who do not get the sexual health care that they need such as sex workers, transgender women, gay men, as well as those who inject themselves with various drugs. The second gap that is there is lack of sufficient funds to get people to test for HIV. There is also lack of sufficient facilities to serve poor populations especially in slums to give them access to critical drugs such as ARVs. The healthcare system does not have sufficient capacity to deal with nutritional issues.
One strategy that can be used to deal with the HIV/AIDs issue in South Africa is raising of public awareness through door to door campaigns especially in the slum areas. It is important for everyone to understand the importance of HIV/AIDS treatment and prevention. The local community needs also to realize that it is not good to have stigmatization of the minority groups such as gay men who do not get the healthcare which they deserve. All of this should be done to ensure that these groups of people are getting the care that they nee ...
Running head UNION COUNTY, GEORGIA .docxtoltonkendal
Running head: UNION COUNTY, GEORGIA 1
UNION COUNTY, GEORGIA 2
Union County, Georgia
Kimberly Crawford
January 30, 2017
Kaplan University
The following paper will answer the asked questions.
Name of County and State
Union County, Georgia.
County population with racial and gender breakdowns
As of July 1, 2015 estimates, the County population was 22, 267 individuals. Of this, 51.7% were Females, while as the males were 48.3%. The white people were 96.5%, the African Americans were 1.0%, the American Indian and Alaska Natives were 0.5%, Asians were 0.7%, Hispanics were 3.2%, and people with two or more races present accounted for 1.3%.
Number of Senior Citizens
The number of senior citizens was 32.5%.
Number of Disabled Individuals
The number of disabled individuals under the age of 65 was 13.9%.
Number of Children
The number of children was 16.1%.
Of the populations above, I choose the senior citizens. The first health concern for this population is elder abuse. At this age, this people are not able to actively take care of themselves like they would a while back. For this reason, they constantly required to be taken care of, in almost all the aspects of their lives. However, elder abuse is a common occurrence in which, the caregivers neglect this population so much, to the extent of some of them even dying. It is such a shame that such a thing might happen to such a delicate population. A second health concern for this population, is the risk of heath disease and other chronic diseases. According to the Centre for Disease Control (CDC), heart disease is one of the leading killers for the senior citizens because at this age, they are delicate and their hearts are very weak (Motooka et al., 2006).
The senior citizens require a number of community health interventions and public policies, which are aimed at ensuring they lead a comfortable life. For instance, they should have access to caregivers when they cannot adequately take care of themselves (Takano, 2002). In addition, they should have access to proper diets, and they should be provided with as much assistance as possible when they are at home and in public places. They should also have regular medical check-ups, to ascertain their health conditions, as well as have access to a hospital and a personal doctor in case they need consultation before their regular sessions (Anderson, 2003). Regular exercises is also good for ensuring their lives are going on smoothly.
Health Risk Assessment
In the health risk assessment tests, I took the eating behaviour test. The questions asked basically were about the kind of foods and drinks that I take on a daily basis, how often I take the meals per day, the rate and posture at which I take the meals, my favourite comfort food, and the circumstances under which I take th ...
traditional medicine, Chinese traditional medicine, herbs, future Matthew N. O. Sadiku | Uwakwe C. Chukwu | Abayomi Ajayi-Majebi | Sarhan M. Musa "Future of Traditional Medicine" Published in International Journal of Trend in Scientific Research and Development (ijtsrd), ISSN: 2456-6470, Volume-6 | Issue-1 , December 2021, URL: https://www.ijtsrd.com/papers/ijtsrd48011.pdf Paper URL: https://www.ijtsrd.com/medicine/ayurvedic/48011/future-of-traditional-medicine/matthew-n-o-sadiku
Body Balance "The Holistic Homeostatis" for Instant Pain Relief.SRIKRISHAN Sharma
To promote (SEEEQ) Safety, Education, Efficacy, Efficiency, Quality, of Holistic Health Care Systems through cost effective TCAM, Integrative medicine, Complementary & Alternative medicine, Indigenous, Traditional Medicine and Wellness Services we have designed, promogated and developed wonderful healing system “Body Balance”. The Homeostasis in a general sense which, refers to stability, balance or equilibrium. It is the body's attempt to maintain a constant internal environment which requires constant monitoring and adjustments as conditions change outside the body. This adjusting of physiological systems within the body is called homeostatic regulation. The Most Important in Life e is Balance. Balance of Inner and Outer Side of You. Balance refers to an optimum state of mind between calm and alert.
Sir, with our efforts we have designed unique Balancing System covering all the universal Manipulative and body-based systems are divided into three subcategories; (i) chiropractic, sacrum- spinal manipulation; (ii) massage and body work (osteopathic manipulative therapy. kinesiology, reflexology, Alexander technique, rolling, Chinese tui na massage and acupressure), and (iii) unconventional physical therapies (hydro therapy, colonies, diathermy, light and color therapy. heat and electrotherapy, trigger point therapy). Once the Balance is done pain immediately reduces and “Energy and persistence conquer all things in a Balancing State”.
For the country like India this is unique therapy without any additional burden on the pockets and can be integrated or complemented for both the conventional and indigenous system of medicines. All the existing creed of doctor can be up-graded to this new skill for instant relief & better results.
Transference of Ethnobotanical Knowledge and Threat & Conservation Status of ...CrimsonPublishersAAOA
Transference of Ethnobotanical Knowledge and Threat & Conservation Status of Medicinal Plants in Ethiopia: Anthropological and Ethnobotanical Perspectives by Alemayehu Kefalew in Archaeology & Anthropology: Open Access
In Ethiopia, the use of traditional medicine for primary health care is becoming accepted and popular. However, it is under great risks when looked from the point of losing the knowledge transfer and the degradation of the vital medicinal plants. Thus, this review was initiated to briefly look into how is the very common way of transferring indigenous knowledge and to look at the threats & conservation effort of medicinal plants in the country. The review indicates that indigenous knowledge of medicinal plants is transferred from a practitioner father to elder son as he is he is getting older. However, if there is no elder son it would be passed over to any one among the family who is supposed to be loyal to keep the knowledge secret; but if the practitioner does not have families, the knowledge passes to any one among his relatives who is believed to keep the knowledge secret. This review also showed that the main reasons for the degradation of medicinal plants in Ethiopia are environmental degradation, agricultural expansion, deforestation, over harvesting of species and invasive alien species.
For more open access journals in Crimson Publishers please click on link: https://crimsonpublishers.com/
For more articles in open access Archaeology journals please click on link: https://crimsonpublishers.com/aaoa/
This survey was aimed to determine the indigenous
knowledge of communities around Lake Victoria Region
regarding the treatment and management of Tuberculosis.
Opinion leaders suggested the names and locations of known
Traditional Medical Practitioners (TMPs) in the study locale. A
sample of 102 TMPS from Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania residing
around Lake Victoria Basis in East Africa participated in the
study. Snow ball sampling technique was used to draw 22 TB
patients claimed to have been treated by TMPs. It was
established that local people have remarkable detailed knowledge
of species identity, characteristics and their specific uses in the
treatment and management of Tuberculosis. The main parts of
the plants used include the root, bark, leaves and seeds in various
combinations. It is concluded that local people have vast
knowledge regarding the treatment of tuberculosis which is
largely confined to the elderly, exploit the medicinal plants nonsustainably,
and use crude plant extracts as concoctions for
treating and/or managing TB. It is recommended that traditional
knowledge should be documented, and top priority be given to
the conservation of the habitat by launching special programs for
raising people’s awareness about sustainable utilization of
medicinal plant species and conservation.
The prevalence, patterns of usage and people's attitude towards complementary...home
The prevalence of CAM in Chatsworth is similar to findings in other parts of the
world. Although CAM was used to treat many different ailments, this practice could not be
attributed to any particular demographic profile. The majority of CAM users were satisfied with
the effects of CAM. Findings support a need for greater integration of allopathic medicine and
CAM, as well as improved communication between patients and caregivers regarding CAM usage.
THE ROLE OF PUBLIC HEALTH SYSTEM IN IMPROVING THE HEALTH OF INDIANSShalvi Shankar
Public Health helps achieve the discovery, test and dissemination of health threat and problems. India is a nation that comprises many languages, religions, life styles and food habits which accounts one sixth of the world’s population occupying less than 3% of the world’s area
THE ROLE OF PUBLIC HEALTH SYSTEM IN IMPROVING THE HEALTH OF INDIANS
Gyasi et al, 2011
1. www.ccsenet.org/gjhs Global Journal of Health Science Vol. 3, No. 2; October 2011
ISSN 1916-9736 E-ISSN 1916-974440
Public Perceptions of the Role of Traditional Medicine in the Health
Care Delivery System in Ghana
Razak Mohammed Gyasi (Corresponding Author)
Department of Geography and Rural Development, KNUST, Kumasi, Ghana
Postal Box 3419, Kumasi, Ghana
Tel: 233-243-235-414 E-mail: binghi_econ@yahoo.com
Charlotte Monica Mensah
Department of Geography and Rural Development, KNUST, Kumasi, Ghana
Tel: 233-207-732-713 E-mail: charlottemensah2002@yahoo.ca
Prince Osei-Wusu Adjei
Department of Geography and Rural Development, KNUST, Kumasi, Ghana
Tel: 233-243-126-093 E-mail: princeosei2@hotmail.com.
Seth Agyemang
Department of Geography and Rural Development, KNUST, Kumasi, Ghana
Tel: 233-243-237-658 E-mail: sagye123@yahoo.co.uk
Received: January 27, 2011 Accepted: February 10, 2011 doi:10.5539/gjhs.v3n2p40
Abstract
Background: People from different cultural backgrounds have used different forms of Traditional Medicine as a
means to managing their ailments. This study examined public perceptions of the role of Traditional Medicine in
relation to the accessibility, conditions treated, safety, efficacy rate and interactions between traditional and
orthodox medical systems in the Sekyere South District of Ashanti, Ghana. Methods: This was a descriptive
cross-sectional survey. A sample of 70 Traditional Medical Practitioners, 30 health care users, and 20 Orthodox
Medical Practitioners were used and selected respectively based on snowball, random sampling and purposive
techniques. Both quantitative and qualitative data were collected through administered-questionnaire and in-depth
interviews. Non-participant observation was used to assess the working environments of the practitioners in 9
selected communities in the district. Relevant data obtained were analysed using both qualitative and quantitative
methods. Percentages and cross-tabulations, using the Predictive Analytic Software (PASW), version i6.0 were
the methods used to analyse the data.
Findings: The main findings suggest that Traditional Medicine is effective as it was employed in treating
numerous medical conditions such as malaria, typhoid fever, arthritis, jaundice, impotency, infertility, stroke,
broken bones, boils, piles, HIV/AIDS, mental illness, etc. However, safety of use of the Traditional Medicine is
not standardized. Moreover, there is some form of interaction between the two health care providers through
cross-referrals though; the cross-referral systems are not coordinated and strictly unofficial. Traditional Medicine
is readily available to the people and also less expensive, hence easily accessible. Policy options that seek to
address some difficulties and challenges encountered by the practices of Traditional Medicine and improving upon
the quality, safety, and standard of service are recommended. Conclusion: The conclusion drawn from the
research is that Traditional Medicine is used by many people to managing numerous conditions. It is accessible
and effective. It therefore plays a significant role by reducing life-threatening ailments of humanity. This study
adds to the scant but growing documented literature about the potentials of Traditional Medicine.
2. www.ccsenet.org/gjhs Global Journal of Health Science Vol. 3, No. 2; October 2011
Published by Canadian Center of Science and Education 41
Keywords: Traditional Medicine, Accessibility, Arthritis, Orthodox medicine, Ghana
1. Introduction
Ailments have over the years been a scourge and a threat to mankind. People from different cultural backgrounds
have used different herbal plants, plant extracts, animal products and mineral substances (Addae-Mensah, 1992) as
the means to care, cure and treat ill-health, with disease prevention, and with health promotion (Curtis and Taket,
1996) since pre-historic times.
Traditional Medicine (TM) embraces the ways of protecting and restoring health that existed before the arrival of
orthodox medicine (OM) (World Health Organisation [WHO], 2001). WHO therefore defines TM as diverse
health practices, approaches, knowledge and beliefs incorporating plant, animal, and/or mineral based medicines,
spiritual therapies, manual techniques and exercises applied singularly or in combination to maintain well-being,
as well as to treat, diagnose or prevent illness (WHO, 2002; 2000). Buor (1993) in his study on impacts of TM in
the health care delivery services in Ghana argues that TM involves the use by the folk population primarily of
unorthodox and unscientific method for curative and prevention of diseases. It has been debated whether the word
“traditional” should be used at all, as it implies some degree of stagnancy or backwardness (Hougen et al, 1998).
TM is assuming greater importance in the primary health care of individuals and communities in many developing
countries (Peltzer and Mngqundaniso, 2008; WHO, 2002; 1978). These approaches to health care belong to the
traditions of each culture, and have been handed down from generation to generation (WHO, 1996). China and
India, for example, have developed very sophisticated contemporary and alternative medicine systems such as
acupuncture and ayurvedic for decades (Addae-Mensah, 2002; Agyare et al, 2006). In fact, TM reflects the
socio-religious structure of indigenous societies from which it developed, together with the values, behaviours and
practices within their communities. TM ultimately aims at restoring the physical, mental and social wellbeing of
the patient, through alternative health care delivery to the orthodox medical system.
Tribes, cultures and indigenous people of nations throughout the world have evolved system of TM for generations,
and communities have found most of these medical practices valuable and affordable and still depend on them for
their health care needs. The WHO estimates that about 60% of the world’s people uses herbal medicine for treating
their sicknesses and up to 80% of the population living in the African Region depends on TM for some aspects of
primary health care (WHO, 2000). Indeed, in rural communities in Ghana, like other developing countries and
elsewhere, TM will continue to remain a vital and permanent part of the people’s own health care system.
The efficacy and potency of TM are indeed attracting global attention (Peltzer and Mngqundaniso, 2008; Mwangi,
2004; Buor, 1993) and that traditional, complementary and alternative medicine is globally increasing in
popularity (Kaboru et al, 2006). The global trend indicates that even in the advanced countries, more people with
the most advanced and sophisticated OM system are making headway in TM use to cater for their health care
requirements (WHO, 2001). Studies have shown that, almost 70% of the population in Australia used at least one
form of contemporary and alternative medicine (CAM), and 44.1% visited CAM practitioners in 2007. Also, the
annual ‘out of pocket’ expenditure on CAM, nationally, was estimated at US$ 3.12 billion (Xue et al, 2010). In the
Netherlands, 60%, while in the United Kingdom, 74% of the people are advocating for the inclusion of CAM into
the National Health Service. The percentage of the population which has used CAM at least once in Canada,
France, USA and Belgium stands at 70% , 75%, 42% and 38% respectively (WHO, 2002). A survey
conducted in the member states of the European Union in 1991 revealed that 1,400 herbal drugs were used in the
European Economic Community by patients (WHO, 1996). One-third of American adults have also used
alternative treatment and there is a fast growing interest in CAM system in the developed world (WHO, 2001;
1996).
WHO reported in 2001 that in Malaysia, about US$ 500 million is spent annually on TM compared to only about
US$ 300 million on OM. In China, TM accounts for 30–50% of the total population consumption (WHO, 1998).
Sri Lanka steadily worked towards the goal of enhancing the effectiveness of TM, such that, now, even the highly
literate consult TMPs before visiting orthodox health institutions (Aluwihare, 1982; Buor, 1993; Peltzer, 1998,
2000a, 2003; Wilkinson and Wilkinson, 1998; Ndulo, 2001). Majority of Sri Lankans, estimated at 55-60% rely on
TM and traditional birth attendants (WHO, 2001). Indeed, in 1996, the total annual sales of herbal medicines
reached US$ 14 billion worldwide (WHO, 2001). In countries for which more detailed data are available, the
percentage of the population that uses TM ranges from 90% in Burundi and Ethiopia, to 80% in Burkina Faso, the
Democratic Republic of Congo and South Africa; 70% in Benin, Cote d’Ivoire, Ghana, Mali, Rwanda and Sudan;
and 60% in Tanzania and Uganda (WHO, 2000). A study published by UNAIDS shows that about two-thirds of
HIV/AIDS patients in developing countries use TM to obtain symptomatic relief, manage opportunistic infections
and boost their immune systems (UNAIDS, 2003; Osei-Edwards, 2003). The medicines used by the practitioners
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to treat AIDS patients are rightly available locally (WHO, 2001). Their familiarity with patients and also the
communities in which they operate serve as an added advantage to relief the AIDS patients. The traditional healers
are recognised, acknowledged and trusted in their communities; they could therefore be used as counsellors and
health educators to cure the spread of STIs, HIV and AIDS in Africa (ibid).
Furtherance, 60% of the children with high fever due to malaria was successfully treated with herbal medicines in
Ghana, Mali, Nigeria and Zambia in 1998 (WHO, 2001). Indeed, the use of TM and the services of traditional
healers by millions of Africans have been recognised by the WHO and in 1977, the World Health Assembly (WHA)
drew attention to the potentials and the efficacy of herbal medicine in the national health care systems. The WHA
urged member countries to utilise those medicines (Akerele, 1987; Nakajima, 1987) to broaden the coverage of
health care in their respective countries. The malaria endemic countries in Africa have herbs for treating the fever.
According to Buor (1993) and Awadh, et al (2004) the malaria parasite, especially the plasmodium falciparum has
developed resistance to almost all the anti-malaria drugs and there is the need to develop herbal substitutes not only
for the chemical side effects of orthodox medicine but also for the expensiveness of the orthodox health care.
In Ghana, up to the middle of the 19th
century, most indigenous people had no access to OM and relied entirely on
herbal and other traditional medical services for their primary health care needs (Tchiakpe, 2004: unpublished
master’s thesis). With the scarcity of orthodox doctors, nurses and paucity of modern hospitals and clinics, the
large majorities of people have to rely on sources other than OM and treatment. For example, in Ghana there is one
traditional practitioner to approximately 386 people, whilst the ratio of orthodox doctors to population stands at
1:10 700; nurses to population ratio is 1:1 578 (MOH, 2006).
People’s own perception of the role of TM is not explicitly studied in Ghana. There are numerous expressions
associated with the potentials of TM. Exploring these concerns will inform decision towards its improvement and
sustainability. In this current paper we primarily analyse the public perceptions of the role of TM in the health care
delivery system in Sekyere South District of Ashanti Region, Ghana.
2. Methodology
2.1 Study setting and sampling
The study was conducted between September, 2009 and May, 2010 in the Sekyere South District of Ashanti
Region, Ghana. The Sekyere South District is one of the 27 political and administrative districts in the Ashanti
Region with Agona as capital. The district spans a total area of 520km2
and forms approximately 3.27% of the total
landmass of the region. It is located in the north-eastern portion of Ashanti Region and shares boundaries with
Ejura-Sekyedumase to the North, Mampong Municipal to the East, Sekyere East and Kwabre to the south and
Offinso Municipal to the West. Specifically, the district lies between latitudes 60
50’N and 70
10’N and longitudes
10
40’N and 10
25’N. The predominant economic activity in the district is subsistence farming. There are over 38
communities with only 9 health facilities which are made up of 2 hospitals, 1 maternity home and 6 health centres.
Out of the 9 health facilities, the government owns 5 and the remaining 4 health facilities were established by
missions.
The district has an estimated population of 82 351 people with 51% rural (Sekyere South District Assembly, 2009).
The target population from which the sample was drawn was 5 619. A sample size of 120 was used. In all, 70
respondents representing the local people who had used the services of traditional health care providers, 30
Traditional Medical Practitioners (TMPs) and 20 Orthodox Medical Practitioners (OMPs) or health agency staff
(doctors, medical assistants, nurses, midwifes, pharmacists, etc) constituted the sample size of the study. The
various sub-samples were categorised based on their composition in the target population of the study. The
research communities were: Wiamoase, Agona, Jamasi, Asamang, Daban, Cannan, Asiribusu, Funifuni and Kona.
The overriding factors in their selection were the fair and adequate coverage of the district to ensure
representativeness of findings. The allocation of the respondents to the communities took to consideration the sizes
of their population.
2.2 Data collection tools and procedure
Both secondary and primary sources of data were considered in the course of the study. Records stored in various
forms at the health units, departments and agencies in the district (e.g. District Assembly, District Health
Administration, etc) were retrieved to assist in the record review in the course of the study. In addition, primary
data on practices of TMPs, interactions between the two medical systems, efficacy, safety, client, etc of TM were
collected by means of unstructured interview using open-ended and close response types of questions. The
effectiveness and safety of TM were entirely measured with the respondent’s responses and observation for
reasons of logistics.
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A descriptive cross-sectional study and a combination of sampling methods were employed to obtain information
from the respondents. Snowball technique was used to select the TMPs, simple random sampling was used to
select the clientele of TM and the OMPs were purposively selected from the target population. On reaching the
field, the sub-samples for each community were sub-divided to reflect the categories of the target population for
the purpose of interview. Twi (a local dialect of the study area) and English were used to administer the interviews.
The respondents and opinion leaders in each selected community were notified and briefed on the objectives of the
research and asked for permission before interview begun. The interviewees were assured of strict confidentiality
of the information they disclose. Each interview lasted for about 45 minutes. Detailed notes were taken and those
in Twi were then translated into English. Non-participant observation was also used to assess the working
environments or the sanitary conditions of the various traditional clinics, as hygiene was used to measure safety of
use of TM in this study.
2.3 Data analysis
Both quantitative and qualitative approaches were considered. The quantitative data were ordered, coded, edited
and entered into the computer and analysed using SPSS version 16.0 statistical software. The results of the study
were displayed by frequency distribution tabulations. The notes and transcripts obtained from the interviews, after
translated to English were presented. The major issues and the concerns of the respondents were edited and
presented through direct quotation techniques.
Ethical approval was obtained from the Department of Geography and Rural Development, Kwame Nkrumah
University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana. Permission was also granted from Sekyere South District
administrative and health authorities, including traditional leaders in the district. Informed consent was obtained
from all participants prior to the research.
3. Results
The results of the study are organized into four dimensions: accessibility and usage of TM, common conditions
or diseases treated, perceptions on efficacy and safety of TM as well as the relationship existing between TM and
biomedical system. Within each category, sub-themes as to how the set objectives of the study were accomplished
are outlined.
3.1 Accessibility and utilisation of Traditional Medicine
In this study, accessibility is defined in connection with economic and physical parameters. That is how both
distance and financial constraints influence health care use.
3.1.1 Economic accessibility
Poverty is a strong barrier to the utilization of health care services. The study reports that certain aspects of the
TM are found to be cheaper and more readily available to the people than the orthodox medicine. Most people in
the Sekyere South District are poor, who live below US$1.25 a day, hence, find the orthodox medical care
relatively costly to access.
<Table 1>
Table 1 indicates that 58.6% users of traditional health care services claimed that traditional medical services are
“cheap” in comparable with the orthodox medical services. However, only 7.1% considered the service to be
‘‘expensive’’ relative to the orthodox medical services. TM is therefore the first point of call to many people in the
study area. This presupposes that most of the rural poor entirely rely on the TM for almost all their health care
needs.
3.1.2 Physical accessibility
The study has demonstrated that most of the settlements in the District are isolated, (especially the villages and
hamlets) and the distances from these settlements to the health centres are long enough. This distant decay reduces
the spatial interactions that should exist between these villages and the towns where health centres are located.
Patients from Asiribusu, Kyirenfa, Abankoro, Saasua and Kokoteasua have to cover over 25 kilometres on foot in
order to utilise the two health centres in Wiamoase. It was further observed that the roads linking these villages and
the few health centres were in very bad state which becomes completely not motorable in the rainy seasons. Few
drivers who risk and ply the roads charge exorbitant fares for short distances they cover. The following
quotations attest to this.
‘‘I’m very sick. I’m suffering from typhoid fever but we don’t have a health centre here in this village. I don’t also
have GHC 3 to pay in and out lorry fare to go to Wiamoase (a 7.4 km distance) to see the doctor. I always go to
herbalists who are with us here for herbal medicine’’
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‘‘Because of the high lorry fare, I sometimes prefer to walk to Bepoase (a distance of over 4.2 kilometres) to access
the health post, although the distance is very long. Most people, especially the aged forgo clinic attendance
altogether and resort to the immediate Traditional Medicines to manage their chronic and infectious diseases’’
‘‘Even if you have the money it is very risky to send a sick person all the way to Agona to see the doctor. His
condition might even be worsen in the process and die as a result. It is very sad’’.
3.2 Common medical conditions or diseases treated
TMPs interviewed in the course of the research were into four categories: Traditional Birth Attendants (TBAs),
Traditional Doctors (Herbalists), Faith healers and Diviners. They treated various diseases and promoted health
using plant and plant products (e.g. leaves, bark, roots, trunk and flowers), prayers, holy water, Qur’an, Bible,
magic powers, animals and mineral substances. It was found that the healers treated various medical conditions.
<Table 2>
Most Traditional healers seem to be more specialised in conditions such as Malaria, Typhoid fever,
rheumatism/arthritis, broken bones/fracture, and piles in the Sekyere South District. Few TMPs were found to
engage in the treatment of such diseases as mental illness, HIV/AIDS, and heart attack. Looking at the different
illnesses treated, traditional healers seem to play an important role in primary health care.
3.3 Perceptions on efficacy and safety of Traditional Medicine
3.3.1 Perceptions on Safety of Clients at the Herbal Clinics
The hygienic and the sanitary conditions of the practice environs of the TMPs were used to measure safety of
patients at the herbal clinics. It was found that 37 (52.9%) of clients of TM and 15 (75%) of the OMPs claimed that
the use of TM is not safe as compared with the use of OM. However, only 12 (17.1%) and 1 (5.0%) of users and
OMPs respectively describe traditional medicinal usage as remarkably safe and totally out of harm’s way.
‘‘The TMPs operating in this community do not keep in and around their clinics clean. Also, a chunk of them
hardly wash their plant products and other substances before concoction, decoction and other preparations are
made. My father sustained serious infections soon after he had treated his typhoid fever with some herbal
preparations and nearly died out of it. To me, Traditional Medicines have curative power to deal with many
diseases, but most of them are not safe’’.
It was reported that the TMPs did not have standard and accurate dosage of medications. They prescribed
medicines based on “trial and error” method. In an interview, a nurse stated that:
‘’Most of the TMPs are illiterate and hardly, know the chemical composition of the herbs and other substances
they use. This could be dangerous and can be a threat to the health of their clients’’
3.3.2 Perceptions on Efficacy of Traditional Medicine
Table 3 illustrates the different views given by TM clients in relation to efficacy. 42 (60%) of clients and 11 (55%)
of the OMPs responded “very good” to the efficacy of TM while 23 clients; 6 OMPs and 5 clients; 3 OMPs
respectively said TM is ‘’good’’ and ‘’bad’’ in terms of efficacy. Some said they have used some aspect of TM and
the effect was positive by achieving the aims for which the medicine were used. However, very few cases were
reported concerning the medicine’s inability to cure their medical problems.
<Table 3>
The quotes that illustrate these points are below.
‘‘My husband was hit with cerebrovascular disease, that is, stroke for over ten years and couldn’t find treatment
after several visits to the modern hospitals. It took only the intervention of a traditional healer in Jamasi. Now, he
is physically fit and healthy and has started working. I believe that most of the TM are very effective’’
‘‘TM, the herbs in particular, are all that I rely on for all my ailments because they are potent to cure diseases
right from the blood once and for all’’.
3.4 Interactions between TMPs and OMPs
The study illustrated that there was no officially sanctioned referral system between traditional and orthodox
medical systems in the district. Almost all the referrals of patients occurred unofficially in an uncoordinated
manner. The study has revealed that OMPs refer fewer patients to the TMPs, than the reverse. Out of the 30 TMPs
involved in the study, 12 (40%) said they had referred patients to conventional hospitals. This was sharp a contrast
when it was found that 3 (15%) out of 20 OMPs had referred cases to traditional clinics. This involved diseases of
spiritual nature, broken bones, piles, rheumatism, boils, impotency, infertility, etc. In general, the degree of
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interaction between the OMPs and TMPs through referral cases is very low. This suggests that both practitioners
compete for the clients. This development negatively affects the government’s policy to integrate TM into the
health care delivery system of the country (MOH, 2002) and must be addressed before the attempt to achieve the
integration of medical systems in Ghana.
3.5 The integration of Traditional Medical Service into the National Health Service
It was found that the TMPs are prepared to join the mainstream health care system.
<Table 4>
Twenty nine (95.0%) of the 30 TMPs answered ‘yes’ when they were ask whether to fully integrate their services
into the biomedical system or not. This is really affirmative action. Also, 96.7% of TMPs were ready to go through
all the necessary training that would enhance their skills in health care delivery. It is important then for the OMPs
to recognise the TMPs as equally competent counterparts in the health system so as to envisage full integration of
TM into conventional medicine.
4. Discussion
This study has investigated the public perceptions of the role of TM in the health care delivery system in Sekyere
South District, in the Ashanti Region of Ghana.
A study on the Ghana health situation revealed that the primary cause of poor health facilities that affected
accessibility is functional to financial constraint (Twumasi, 1988; Buor, 2003). Sowa (2002) has expounded that
the declining hospital attendance in 1984 could be traced to the overall economic crises, but continued through
1986 due to the introduction and increase in hospital fees. The study has found that with the current financial and
economic strains, most people utilised and patronised the TM because of its relative cheapness. High income
earners attend hospital more often than low income earners which is consistent with previous studies (Buor, 2003;
Delanyo, 1992; Ensor and Pham-Bich-San, 1996; Pickett and Hanlon, 1990; Habib et al, 1986). TM is generally
affordable and therefore utilised mostly by the rural poor who cannot, perhaps afford the orthodox medical care. In
this regard, the necessary attention that TM practice deserves should be given. A directorate at the MOH has been
created for TM though, this is not enough. Sub-national structures should be provided at both the regional and the
district levels to oversee to the dispensation of traditional medical services (Buor, 1993). The government,
Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and other stakeholders must therefore see the need to invest in research,
education, equipment and other infrastructure which will help make people accrue maximum benefit from TM.
The access to primary health care partly rests on physical distance and possible intervening obstacles (Buor, 2003a;
Mensah, 2003: unpublished doctoral thesis). Longer distances and travel times result in lower utilization of health
care (Buor, 2003). This study has shown that the TMPs both males and females were present in the district. Each
community surveyed had at least three (3) TMPs who were distributed evenly across the district to make their
services easily accessible to people. With TM, clients do not have to walk and cover long distances for their health
care needs as has been observed in other studies in Ghana and elsewhere (Buor, 1993; Okafor, 1990; 1984; Muller
et al, 1998). TMPs live and work among the people in the community. They therefore reserve a great deal of
confidence in the TMPs and their services. Most of the clients therefore do not take into account the safety,
quality and the standard of service of TM.
The study found that most of the TM offered to clients was perceived to be effective. This was evident in the
treatment of such conditions as boils, piles, broken bones/fractures, impotency, infertility, sexual weakness and
malaria, typhoid fever, mental disorder, hypertension, among others. Respondents claimed that as far as these
diseases are concerned, the TM is more effective than the OM as they responded favourably to the various
medicines used. Most respondents are psychologically comfortable with the use of the TM because they perceived
the system to be embedded in their own socio-cultural roots. This is in consonance with other studies (Peltzer et al,
2008; Buor, 1993; Twumasi, 1988). Necessary recognition must be given to the TMPs and their practices so as to
encourage them to put in much effort in the primary health care. However, the safety of use of TM is questionable.
Quite a number of TMPs practised under unhygienic conditions and environs which could develop further
infections to their clients and complicate their health problems. It is evident that the TMPs did not have a standard
and accurate dosage for medicines prescribed and described for clients, rather they resort to ‘‘trial and error’’
method for medicine administration (WHO, 2002). This pose serious challenge to acceptable and sound medical
practices envisage by the MOH for the citizenry. Stakeholders and the Ghana Health Service are to organize
regular training and education programmes for TMPs on the need to practise in uncontaminated environment. Also,
medical administration based on “trial and error” should be avoided to avert the consequence of over dosages and
under dosages of medications.
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The TMPs were managing almost every condition presented to them. They effectively treated such conditions as
arthritis/rheumatism, piles, infertility, malaria, typhoid fever, broken bone, boil and diseases of psychic nature
(Buor, 1993). It was envisaged that TM will never entirely disappear from the traditional society of the Sekyere
South District because it is potent and viable in treating most medical conditions presented by the patients. Much
effort should be offered by the government and the health sector to ensure total modernisation, standardisation and
improvement of TM so that better services could be rendered by the TMPs in the health care delivery as observed
by other studies (Yuri et al, 2007).
One of the most important mechanisms in any medical system which guarantees the safety of patients and assures
effective treatment of diseases is the ability of the system to ensure prompt referral of patients from one system to
another. No wonder, the Acting Director of TAMP, MOH stated that cross-referral of cases between the TMPs and
OMPs would improve health care delivery for people when he addressed the Fourth TM Week held at Koforidua
on September 6, 2003 (The Ghanaian Times, 2003). Any attempt to integrate traditional and orthodox medical
systems will see much difficulty, although over 96% of all TMPs surveyed shown interest. The rife of rivalry
between the two medical systems is a great bottleneck to undermine the process, as the collaboration between
OMPs and TMPs remained unofficial and in some instances non-existing. Only 12 (out of 30) TMPs and 3 (out of
20) OMPs had unofficially referred patients between themselves. Medical pluralism was practised among the
majority of health care users which vindicated other studies (Twumasi, 1988). There is therefore the need to have a
mechanism in place to properly coordinate the system. There should be a smooth and official referral mechanism
between the health care providers. Ghana Health Service Division (GHSD) must, as a matter of urgency, establish
a patient referral system between the OMPs and TMPs to protect, promote and enhance the health of clients. Full
integration of TM into the OM is needed. This will serve as a catalyst to achieving the long awaited goals of health
service delivery and the health for all policy as explicated in the Alma Ata Declaration and as well accelerate
efforts towards achieving the health related MDGs.
5. Limitations of the study
The research design adopted in this survey had some limitations that one way or the other influenced the findings.
The study used interviews and key informants as the main source of primary data and relied on participants’
self-report of historical events and perceptions to assess the role of TM. The issues with efficacy and safety of
TM use were measured with the respondents’ responses. No chemical or scientific tests were conducted due to
lack of logistics. This inevitably gave rise to the question of interviewer bias and social desirability bias being
presented. No statistical comparisons could be made because the study methodology was set as qualitative, and
the results are less accurate than they would have been, using quantitative data.
6. Conclusion
The role of TM is significant particularly in rural Ghana in the treatment of life-threatening and dreadful ailments.
TM is affordable, readily available, hence, easily accessible and therefore utilized as such. There are other complex
psycho-social and cultural factors associated with TM use. It is seen to be embedded in the personal values,
religious and health philosophies of people. The development of the system should not end up in political polemics.
Real, concrete and iterative action should follow the recognition of the contribution of TM to the health care of the
people.
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10. www.ccsenet.org/gjhs Global Journal of Health Science Vol. 3, No. 2; October 2011
Published by Canadian Center of Science and Education 49
Table 1. Accessibility and Usage of Traditional Medicine
Economic Parameter n=70 %
Cheap 41 58.6
Moderate 24 34.3
Expensive 5 7.1
Table 2. Medical Conditions/Diseases treated by the TMPs
Medical Conditions/Diseases TMPs (N=30) %
Impotency/Infertility/Sexual Weakness 4 13.3
Malaria/Typhoid/Jaundice 5 16.7
Rheumatism/ Arthritis/Broken
bones/Fracture
5 16.7
Boil/ Pile 4 13.3
Menstrual Pains/STIs/HIV/AIDS 1 3.3
Convulsion/hypertension/ 2 6.7
Snake/Dog Bite/Cutlass Wound 4 13.3
Mental illness 1 3.3
Others 4 13.3
Table 3. Efficacy of Traditional Medicine
Category n %
User OMP User OMP
Bad 5 3 7.1 15.0
Good 23 6 32.9 30.0
Very Good 42 11 60.0 55.0
Table 4. Integrating Traditional Medicine into Biomedical System
Category n=30 %
Yes 29 96.7
No 1 3.3